Heart valve prosthesis

ABSTRACT

A heart valve prosthesis can have a valve anchor with at least one U-shaped member extending about a longitudinal axis of the valve anchor. The U-shaped member can have a peak portion and a base portion. The peak portion can have an engagement structure that allows a surgeon to engage the valve anchor with a delivery device and manipulate a position of the valve anchor in situ in order to achieve optimal placement of the prosthesis at a target site within a patient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/240,354, filed on Jan. 4, 2019, which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/614,489, filed onJan. 7, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/756,556, filed on Nov.6, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/781,537, filed on Dec.18, 2018, the entireties of each of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for thepercutaneous delivery and implantation of a cardiac valve prosthesis.The valve prosthesis can be delivered in a compressed state within asheath to the defective native valve and released in situ.

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic heart valves are used to replace damaged or diseased heartvalves. In vertebrate animals, the heart is a muscular organ with fourpumping chambers: the left and right atria and the left and rightventricles, each provided with its own one-way valve. The natural heartvalves are identified as the aortic, mitral (or bicuspid), tricuspid andpulmonary valves. Prosthetic heart valves can be used to replace any ofthese naturally occurring valves, although repair or replacement of theaortic or mitral valves is more common since they reside in the leftside of the heart where pressures are the greatest.

A conventional heart valve replacement surgery involves accessing theheart in the patient's thoracic cavity through a longitudinal incisionin the chest. For example, a median sternotomy requires cutting throughthe sternum and forcing the two opposing halves of the rib cage to bespread apart, allowing access to the thoracic cavity and heart within.The patient is then placed on cardiopulmonary bypass which involvesstopping the heart to permit access to the internal chambers. Suchopen-heart surgery is particularly invasive and involves a lengthy anddifficult recovery period.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to heart valve prostheses, deliverydevices, and actuation handles that can facilitate delivery of a heartvalve prosthesis to a defective native valve structure in a patient,such as the aortic valve. In some embodiments, the delivery can beperformed using a transcatheter approach.

The delivery devices and actuation handles can enable a clinician tomore easily maneuver and advance the delivery device through bloodvessels leading to the heart, as well as through tortuosities of suchvessels, using a transvascular approach, such as a transfemoralapproach. Indeed, some embodiments disclosed herein enable components ofthe heart valve prosthesis to be advanced in tandem, as an axiallydisplaced unit (with or without partial or full overlapping between thecomponents), while still being movably connected, movably attached,flexibly connected, displaceably connected, linked, or coupled to eachother, thereby minimizing a passing profile or cross section of thedelivery device. Optionally, the distance from which the components ofthe heart valve prosthesis may be serially displaced may be variable,such that various components are adjacent or potentially inches or feetaway. Further, the interconnection of components of the heart valveprosthesis can allow different degrees of motion and can be set into anengaged or retained position that provides a limited range of motion. Insome embodiments, the engaged position can also provide a presetrelative positioning of the components of the heart valve prosthesis tofacilitate proper placement and release of the heart valve prosthesis.Additionally, some embodiments can provide a clinician with a highdegree of control and enhance the maneuverability of the heart valveprosthesis when implanting the heart valve prosthesis at the targetlocation.

In accordance with some embodiments, a procedure is provided for atranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and/or a transcatheteraortic valve replacement (TAVR). For example, in the TAVI procedure, aclinician can anchor the anchoring component of the heart valveprosthesis relative to the aortic valve annulus to guide the placementof the prosthetic leaflet structure. The valve prosthesis can compriseprosthetic leaflets, an anchoring component, a valve frame component,and a tethering component, which allows the anchoring component and theframe component to be placed serially in a delivery device in order toreduce the overall crossing profile of the delivery device. Thetethering component can be coupled to the anchoring component and theframe component to permit a range of motion and in some embodiments, torestrict other motion. The tethering component can be slidable relativeto the anchoring component between a released position and a retainedposition. In the retained position, the tethering component can allowrelative movement of the valve frame component and a preset orpredetermined position which the valve frame component is optimallylocated relative to the anchoring component, which can facilitateplacement and release of the valve prosthesis.

For example, in some embodiments, the interconnection can be implementedusing a novel approach of looping the tethering component around“U-shaped” members of the anchoring component. The tethering componentcan slide along the anchoring component until reaching the end of thetravel on the anchoring component. The clinician can exert tension onthe tethering component until the tethering component is seated in theengagement area. This action can ratchet the tethering component andengage it to the engagement area of the anchoring component. Thereafter,the tethering component establishes a fixed range of longitudinal travelof the valve frame component relative to the anchoring component, andsubsequently a proper position of the valve frame component in theanatomy, based only on the clinician placing the anchoring componentinto the aortic sinus region (the clinician can see under fluoroscopyand can “feel” the placement).

Thus, some embodiments disclosed herein advantageously provide adelivery device that has a reduced passing profile or cross section,thereby enabling delivery of a heart valve prosthesis in a safer, lessinvasive manner than traditional approaches. As such, open-heart surgerycan be avoided because the heart valve prosthesis can be advanced to theheart using a catheter via an access point in the blood vessel, such asthe femoral artery. This provides enormous benefits to patients,including less trauma to the patient, greater ease of recovery, andpotentially fewer surgical risks, to name a few.

Further, although the in-series arrangement of the anchoring componentand the valve frame component overcomes the challenge of creating alow-profile delivery device, the advantageous arrangement of theinterconnection overcomes yet another critical challenge: how tooptimally position the valve prosthesis within the native valvestructure and to reliably anchor it in place. Indeed, some embodimentsdisclosed herein address this challenge and teach structures and methodsfor using a tethering component to operatively couple the anchoringcomponent to the valve frame component in a delivery device.

The delivery device can comprise a proximal sheath that can house atleast a portion of the anchoring component and a distal carrier assemblythat can house at least a portion of the valve frame component. Thetethering component can extend between the anchoring component and thevalve frame component when the valve prosthesis is loaded onto thedelivery device. The valve prosthesis can be released from the deliverydevice in a component-by-component manner that allows the clinician tomaneuver and position the anchoring component first, followed by thevalve frame component.

In some embodiments, the anchoring component can be coupled to anengagement member or grasper of the delivery device that allows theclinician to push or pull the anchoring component. The grasper can bereleased from engagement with the anchoring component when the anchoringcomponent is properly seated relative to the native valve annulus.

In addition, in some embodiments, the distal carrier assembly of thedelivery device can comprise two components or be referred to as atwo-part nose cone assembly. In accordance with some embodiments is therealization that if a single tubular member or nose cone is used tosheath most of the valve frame component, various problems can arise dueto the expansive force and corresponding compressive force required tomaintain the valve frame component in its compressed configurationduring delivery to a target valve structure. Because the delivery devicecan be quite long (for example, in some embodiments, up to about 4 to 6feet or more, although the length can be less than 4, 3, or 2 feet),these forces can create a much stiffer distal section of the deliverydevice. Further, these forces can require a high degree of longitudinalforce to release the valve frame component due to the high frictionalforces due to the radial force of the valve implant.

Thus, the radial and frictional forces of such configurations can causeproblems of matching handle actuation and make precise positioning ofthe distal end of the delivery device quite difficult. For example, thefriction tends to be a variable friction that makes it difficult for aclinician to position the components of the valve prosthesis relative toeach other, which can lead to unpredictable and/or imprecise componentpositioning or deployment. Thus, some embodiments herein include therealization that by separating the distal carrier or nose cone assemblyinto two components (such as a proximal and distal enclosure), thecomponents can cover less surface area of the valve frame component,thus reducing the radial forces exerted on a single component and theresultant friction that would need to be overcome in order to actuate orrelease the valve frame component. As such, the problems associated witha single tubular member are much more manageable.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a two-part distal carrier assemblycan also enable the clinician to release the valve frame component in anadvantageous sequence. For example, during testing and development ofthe valve prostheses, deployment systems, and handle actuators disclosedherein, some embodiments demonstrate advantageous characteristics bypermitting a distal end portion of the valve frame component to openfirst, before a proximal end portion of the valve frame component isreleased. In some embodiments, the valve frame component can have one ormore anchors at its distal end portion that can supplement the outwardexpansive force (due to self-expansion of the valve frame component) andits resultant frictional engagement. By opening the distal end portionfirst (by actuation of distal nose cone or enclosure), the distal endportion can “flower” out and engage with the native valve structure tosecure a longitudinal position of the valve frame component relative tothe native valve structure. Thereafter, the self-expanding radialoutward force of the valve frame component can cause the proximal endportion of the valve frame component to become disengaged and releasedfrom the proximal nose cone or enclosure.

Some embodiments can also provide self-aligning features to allow thecomponents of the delivery assembly to be moved from a releasing state(where the components of the valve prosthesis are released fromengagement with the delivery assembly) to a nested or stowed state inwhich outer surfaces of portions of the delivery assembly are aligned orin an abutting position at a seam. This alignment, abutment, orpositioning can provide a smoother outer profile that can reduce thelikelihood of having the delivery assembly snag or become entangled withthe prosthetic valve after being released or with other vasculature asthe delivery assembly is retrieved from the patient's vasculature.

For example, in some embodiments, the distal carrier or nose coneassembly can include an internal plunger or piston mechanism. Theplunger mechanism can be compressed when the valve frame component isloaded into the delivery device. As the valve frame component isreleased, a spring of the plunger mechanism can push a plunger head to apredetermined position relative to the distal carrier assembly. Inaccordance with some embodiments, in the predetermined position, theplunger head can be exposed partially from the distal enclosure and beconfigured to engage with the proximal enclosure to align the proximaland distal enclosures relative to each other in an abuttingrelationship. The plunger head can therefore engage with both theproximal and distal enclosures to reduce the likelihood of catching orsnagging of the delivery device with the prosthetic valve or othervasculature during retrieval of the delivery device. Additionally, suchfeatures can also aid in proximal retraction of the delivery device intoan introducer sheath. Moreover, the plunger head can also provide aproximal surface that can be in contact with the distal end portion ofthe valve frame component and not catch or snag with the intricate meshof the valve frame component, thereby ensuring that the valve framecomponent can flower open without catching on the delivery device.Accordingly, some embodiments can include one or more of theseadvantageous features that address the problem of having the valveprosthesis and/or the delivery device catch or snag on each other orsurrounding anatomy.

Furthermore, due to the reduced cross-sectional profile of the deliverydevice, retrograde delivery of a valve prosthesis through the bloodvessel (such as femoral artery in a transfemoral retrograde approach)can be possible with reduced risk of trauma to the surroundingvasculature. For example, retrograde delivery of the valve prosthesisthrough the femoral artery has been associated with aortofemoral arteryinjury and/or rupture and carries a potential risk of stroke as thedelivery involves crossing the aortic arch. However, the variousfeatures and advantages achieved using some embodiments disclosed hereinprovide a valve prosthesis and delivery device that minimizes damagealong the delivery path of device while also minimizing the invasivenature of the implantation procedure.

Additional embodiments of the present devices and methods, and the like,will be apparent from the following description, drawings, examples, andclaims. As can be appreciated from the foregoing and followingdescription, each and every feature described herein, and each and everycombination of two or more of such features, is included within thescope of the present disclosure provided that the features included insuch a combination are not mutually inconsistent. In addition, anyfeature or combination of features may be specifically excluded oromitted from any embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionalaspects and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in thefollowing description and claims, particularly when considered inconjunction with the accompanying examples and drawings.

Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be setforth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology.The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attainedby the structure particularly pointed out in the written description andembodiments hereof as well as the appended drawings.

Certain features of valve prostheses, delivery devices, actuationhandles, other devices, systems, and methods which can be implementedwith the valve prostheses, delivery devices, actuation handles, otherdevices, systems, and methods discussed in the present disclosure, canimplement features of and/or be used in combination with other featuresof valve prostheses, delivery devices, actuation handles, other devices,systems, and methods described for example in International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2019/012406 (Docket No.: 122271-5044), entitled HEART VALVEPROSTHESIS AND DELIVERY, filed on Jan. 4, 2019, by Ji Zhang, Brandon G.Walsh, Cheng Yong Yang, Jinhua Zhu, and Dennis Michael McMahon, and inInternational Application No. PCT/US2019/012408 (Docket No.:122271-5048), entitled PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed onJan. 4, 2019, by Ji Zhang, Brandon G. Walsh, and Cheng Yong Yang, theentirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the subject technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of illustrative embodiments of the inventions aredescribed below with reference to the drawings. The illustratedembodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, theinventions. The drawings contain the following figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates delivery of a valve prosthesis using a valve deliverydevice in a transfemoral retrograde approach, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a valve prosthesis, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve prosthesis of FIG. 2loaded onto a valve delivery device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view the valve delivery device of FIG. 3 showinga grasper mechanism for engaging a valve anchor, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side cross-sectional views illustrating operation ofa distal carrier assembly of the valve delivery device of FIG. 3 with anose cone protector, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6H are views of valve anchors, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7C are enlarged views of progressive movement of a linkmechanism along an engagement area of a valve prosthesis, moving from aposition in which the link mechanism is coupled to a tension member to aposition in which the link mechanism is retained in the engagement areaof the valve prosthesis, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8G show different embodiments of a link mechanism for the valveprosthesis of FIG. 2, in which the valve prosthesis is loaded onto avalve delivery device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A is a side view of the valve prosthesis and delivery device ofFIG. 8A, showing a proximal sheath retracted from over a valve anchor,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged detail view of the valve prosthesis and deliverydevice of FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9C is an enlarged detail view of the valve prosthesis and deliverydevice of FIG. 8B, showing a proximal sheath retracted from over a valveanchor, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9D is an enlarged detail view of a valve prosthesis having a valveanchor with a link motion limiter, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9E is an enlarged detail view of another valve prosthesis having avalve anchor with another link motion limiter, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10D are views of a valve delivery device having a graspermechanism for engaging a valve anchor, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10E and 10F are side and top views of a grasper mechanism,according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10G and 10H are views of a valve delivery device having a graspermechanism for engaging a valve anchor, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a full understanding of the subject technology. Itshould be understood that the subject technology may be practicedwithout some of these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not toobscure the subject technology.

Further, while the present disclosure sets forth specific details ofvarious embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description isillustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting.Additionally, it is contemplated that although particular embodiments ofthe present disclosure may be disclosed or shown in the context ofaortic valve prostheses, such embodiments may be used in other cardiacvalve prosthesis applications. Furthermore, various applications of suchembodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who areskilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general conceptsdescribed herein.

Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter. Suchembodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in theart. Thus, one or more features shown or otherwise disclosed in anembodiment herein may be interchangeably used or incorporated intoanother embodiment that may not expressly show or disclose suchfeature(s). Further, one or more features shown or otherwise disclosedfor an embodiment herein may be excluded from such embodiment, unlessexpressly indicated, using skill in the art.

As with all cardiac valves, a healthy aortic valve will open to allowblood flow and close to prevent backflow of blood. However, disease anddysfunction of the valve can result in regurgitation or decreased bloodflow (stenosis). In such cases, a replacement aortic valve prosthesismust be used to perform the functions of a healthy aortic valve.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are evolving, where a valveprosthesis can be introduced into a patient using a catheter that isintroduced via a small incision that provides access to, for example, afemoral artery or directly to the heart. These implantation techniqueshave shown promising results in providing treatment options for patientswho are poor open surgical candidates. Nevertheless, challenges stillremain in such catheter-based delivery of prosthetic valves.

For example, in according with an aspect of at least one embodimentdisclosed herein is the realization that advancing a conventionaltubular delivery device through a vessel exerts stress against thevessel walls and carries the risk of damaging the vessel walls. Further,in according with an aspect of at least one embodiment disclosed hereinis the realization that transcatheter prosthetic valves may not be ableto treat patients with aortic regurgitation. Additionally, in accordingwith an aspect of at least one embodiment disclosed herein is therealization that conventional prosthetic valves may be difficult toposition, may require rapid ventricular pacing, and may have limitedexpansion. Accordingly, implantation and use of conventional prostheticvalves may result in complications, such as vascular damage, moderate tosevere paravalvular leakage, valve thrombosis/migration, coronary arteryblockage, and excessive stress due to excessive radial force.

The present disclosure describes various aspects of heart valveprostheses that can be delivered to a defective heart valve in apatient. The valve prostheses can comprise at least one valve anchor orclasper, which is movably connected, movably attached, flexiblyconnected, displaceably connected, linked, or coupled to a radiallyexpandable valve support or frame. The valve frame can compriseprosthetic valve leaflets or cusps and provide the functionality of thenative heart valve. Certain features of valve prostheses, which can beimplemented with the prostheses discussed in the present disclosure, arealso further described for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,768, theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a variety of features that can beoptionally incorporated or excluded from any of the embodimentsexplicitly discussed or illustrated herein. These modifications andcombinations of features can be performed by a person of skill toachieve advantages and benefits discussed herein. Further, certainmodifications or combinations are indicated or suggested herein, but itis contemplated that a person skill can implement or exclude certainaspects or features disclosed herein in developing a suitable embodimentor implementation of these teachings. Advantageously, variousembodiments described herein allow for treating patients with aorticregurgitation, permit precise axial, angular, and radial positioning ofthe valve prosthesis, minimize valve migration and paravalvular leakagewhile avoiding damage to the valve annulus, minimize the need for apacemaker, and decrease the likelihood of blocking the coronary artery.

Some of these features and benefits of the heart valve prosthesis areillustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 1 illustrates the use of thedelivery device 200 in a human heart 300. The heart 300 can comprise anaorta 301 having an aortic arch 302 and an aortic valve 304. The aortavalve 304 can comprise a plurality of native valve leaflets 306 andseparate the aorta 301 from the left ventricle 310. In accordance withsome embodiments, the delivery device 200 can be advanced retrogradethrough the aorta 301 until reaching and being positioned through thenative valve leaflets 306 of the aortic valve 304.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, during delivery of the valve prosthesis100 to the native valve site, the valve anchor 104 and the support frame102 can be positioned in tandem, as an axially displaced unit (with orwithout partial or full overlapping between the anchor and the frame)along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device 200. Thisconfiguration, as opposed to a concentric arrangement, can allow a moreradially compact configuration of the components of the valve prosthesis100, creating a much smaller cross-section and facilitating acatheter-based delivery. This can improve the flexibility of thedelivery device 200, enabling the delivery device 200 to be advancedover a guidewire through the tortuous geometries of the circulatorysystem, and in particular, the aortic arch 302. Indeed, even withguidewire-directed delivery devices, the aortic arch 302 represents adifficult obstacle due to its sudden and high-degree of curvature.Often, this is a limiting constraint for some surgeries or deliverydevices. However, in accordance with the various benefits and advantagesof some embodiments disclosed herein, as illustrated in FIG. 1, thedelivery device 200 can be advanced over the aortic arch 302 to a targetlocation in the region of the aortic valve 304.

As shown in FIG. 1, once the valve anchor 104 is in the desiredposition, the support frame 102 can be released from the distal carrierassembly and expanded into apposition with the native valve leaflets 306and the internal aspects of the valve anchor 104, thus sandwiching thenative valve leaflets 306 between the support frame 102 and the valveanchor 104. Advantageously, by sandwiching the native valve leaflets 306between the support frame and the valve anchor, the valve prosthesis 100can have reduced reliance on radial force retention. Further, bysandwiching the native valve leaflets 306 between the support frame andthe valve anchor, the likelihood of the native valve leaflets 306blocking the opening of the coronary artery is reduced, which may bebeneficial for patients with low coronary ostia distance, and inpatients with an existing valve prosthesis, who may need a new valveprosthesis inside the existing valve prosthesis (valve-in-valveapplication). The support frame and the valve anchor can thus expandinto contact with the aortic valve 304, exerting a chronic outward forceagainst the native valve leaflets 306 and aortic valve annulus 320.Thereafter, the prosthetic valve leaflets of the prosthesis 100 canbegin to function in the manner desired and provide the same operationas a native valve.

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides ahandle actuator that can be used to control the operation of thepresently disclosed delivery device and allow a clinician to reliablyand accurately control the delivery of the valve prosthesis. FIG. 1illustrates features and operation of the handle actuator, according tosome embodiments, for delivering a valve prosthesis using a handleactuator 500.

FIG. 1 illustrates the handle actuator 500, which can control one ormore functions of a delivery device (e.g., the delivery device 200discussed herein) for delivering of a valve prosthesis (e.g., the heartvalve prosthesis 100 discussed herein). The handle actuator 500 cancomprise a plurality of actuators or movable elements, such as knobs orbuttons. The movable elements can permit a clinician to control one ormore operations of the delivery device 200. The handle actuator 500 cancomprise a control handle 510 having a longitudinal axis 512. The handleactuator 500 may be also referred to as a control unit. In someembodiments, the handle actuator 500 may be coupled to the second coremember 222 (shown, e.g., in FIGS. 3 and 5). The control handle 510 cansupport the actuators and be held by the clinician during the procedure.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the handle actuator 500can comprise a first movable element 520, a second movable element 522,a third movable element 524, and a fourth movable element 526. The firstmovable element 520 can be used to steer the delivery device 200, thesecond movable element 522 can be used to release the valve anchor, thethird movable element 524 can be used to release nosecone or valveframe, and the fourth movable element 526 can be used as a nose conetoggle lock. The first movable element 520, the second movable element522, the third movable element 524, and the fourth movable element 526may be also referred to as the first control element 520, the secondcontrol element 522, the third control element 524, and the fourthcontrol element 526.

Optionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the movable elements,such as the second movable element 522 and/or the third movable element524, can include a button or slider safety switch 529 that prevent theunintentional rotation of the moveable elements. The safety switch 529can be configured as resilient button or slider mechanisms that can beactuated to release a lock that provides resistance to rotational ortranslational movement of the respective movable element. In someembodiments, the movable elements can have a raised feature thatprovides a visual indication of rotation and facilitates tactileengagement and actuation by the clinician. Other features of the handleactuator 500 and methods for operating the handle actuator 500 arediscussed and illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13H of U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 62/781,537, filed on Dec. 18, 2018, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a valve prosthesis 100 and components thereofare shown in various configurations. The valve prosthesis 100 can bedelivered to a patient using a suitable delivery device, includingembodiments of the delivery devices disclosed herein. The valveprosthesis 100 can comprise a support frame 102 and an anchoringcomponent or valve anchor 104 to which the support frame 102 is movablyconnected, movably attached, flexibly connected, displaceably connected,linked, or coupled.

The valve prosthesis 100 can be configured such that components of thevalve prosthesis 100 to be advanced in series while still being movablyconnected, movably attached, flexibly connected, displaceably connected,linked, or coupled to each other, thereby minimizing a passing profileor cross section of the delivery system. The interconnection ofcomponents of the valve prosthesis 100 can allow different degrees ofmotion and can be set into an engaged or retained position that providesa limited range of motion. In some embodiments, the engaged position canalso provide a preset relative positioning of the components of thevalve prosthesis 100 to facilitate proper placement and release of thevalve prosthesis 100. Additionally, some embodiments can provide aclinician with a high degree of control and enhance the maneuverabilityof the valve prosthesis 100 when implanting the valve prosthesis 100 atthe target location.

In some embodiments, the valve anchor 104 can be coupled to the supportframe 102 when the support frame 102 is in the compact configurationprior to delivery and expansion. In some embodiments, the valve anchor104 is not fixed to the support frame 102. Further, the valve anchor 104can be separate from the support frame 102 or formed separately from andlater coupled to the support frame 102. Thus, although a least a portionof the valve anchor 104, e.g., the anchoring leg, may be in contact withor otherwise reversibly attached or connected to the support frame 102,no part of the valve anchor 104 is fixed, e.g., welded or otherwiseirreversibly adhered, to the support frame 102. Alternatively stated,the valve anchor 104, which may be in contact with or otherwisereversibly attached to the support frame 102, is not irreversibly fixedto the support frame 102.

Further, upon reaching the target location, the valve anchor 104 can bemovably coupled to the support frame 102 in a manner that prevents theentire valve anchor 104 from being radially displaced from the supportframe 102 when the valve anchor 104 is initially expanded. For example,portions of the valve anchor 104 can be radially displaced from thesupport frame during initial “landing” of the valve anchor 104 againstthe native valve structure at the target location. In some embodiments,the support frame 102 can be deployed or expanded within the nativeheart valve structure, and the valve anchor 104 can become sandwichedbetween the support frame and the native valve tissue, becoming at leastpartially, and possibly fully, immobilized. The valve anchor 104 canfunction to hold the expanded support frame 102 in place within thenative valve structure.

Optionally, the support frame 102 may be referred to as a valve frame orvalve support frame. FIG. 2 illustrates the support frame 102 alignedwith and expanded within the valve anchor 104, in a configuration thatis achieved when the prosthesis 100 is released and expanded within thenative valve structure. The native valve structure includes the valveannulus or leaflets. This expanded configuration, serves to secure thevalve prosthesis 100 within the native valve annulus by engaging thenative valve structure. In some embodiments, the expanded configurationof the valve prosthesis 100 may reduce reliance on securing the valveprosthesis 100 with radial force exerted by the support frame 102 andthe valve anchor 104 via the sandwiching or compression of the nativevalve leaflets between the support frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 ofthe valve prosthesis 100. Further, as discussed further herein, duringimplantation of the valve prosthesis 100, the support frame 102 and thevalve anchor 104 can be movable relative to each other in expandedand/or compressed states in order to facilitate proper positioning ofthe prosthesis 100 relative to the native valve annulus and surroundingstructures. Indeed, various advantages made possible by the prosthesis100 and delivery device disclosed herein allow a clinician to achieve ahigher degree of precision in placing the prosthesis 100, as well asmaking such increased precision easier to achieve.

Referring to FIG. 2, the support frame 102 can comprise an outer orexternal surface and defines a central orifice about a longitudinal axis120. The longitudinal axis 120 corresponds to an inflow-outflow axis ofthe prosthesis 100. In some embodiments, the valve prosthesis 100further comprises a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets or cusps 106that are coupled to the support frame 102. The support frame 102 canprovide a structural support for the valve leaflets 106. The valveleaflets 106 can have surfaces defining a reversibly sealable openingfor unidirectional flow of a liquid through the prosthesis 100. Theprosthesis 100 can include three valve leaflets 106 for a tri-leafletconfiguration. As appreciated, mono-leaflet, bi-leaflet, and/ormulti-leaflet configurations are also possible. For example, the valveleaflets can be coupled to the support frame 102 to span and controlfluid flow through the lumen of the prosthesis 100. The prostheticleaflets 106 can comprise one or more synthetic materials, engineeredbiological tissues, biological valvular leaflet tissues, pericardialtissues, cross-linked pericardial tissues, aortic root tissue,chemically or biologically processed/treated tissue, or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the pericardial tissue is selected frombut not limited to the group consisting of bovine, equine, porcine,ovine, human tissue, or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the valve prosthesis 100 can comprisea sealing component or membrane 108 that can be attached to an insidesurface, an outside surface, and/or enclose the support frame 102, suchas by being laminated onto inner and outer surfaces of the support frame102. Thus, the valve leaflets 106 can be coupled to the support frame102 and/or the membrane 108. In some embodiments, the membrane 108 canrestrict blood flow in areas around the valve leaflets 106 so that bloodflow occurs only between the valve leaflets 106 through the lumen of theprosthesis 100, as in a healthy native heart valve.

The support frame 102 and/or the valve anchor 104 can comprise a braidedframe, a wire frame, or a laser-cut frame (e.g., laser-cut tubularmesh), as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the support frame 102and/or the valve anchor 104 can comprise a shape-memory metal, which canchange shape at a designated temperature or temperature range or byinducing stress. Alternatively, the self-expanding frames can includethose having a spring-bias. The material from which either the supportframe 102 and/or the valve anchor 104 is fabricated can allow thesupport frame 102 and/or the valve anchor 104 to automatically expand toits functional size and shape when deployed but also allows the supportframe 102 and/or the valve anchor 104 to be radially compressed to asmaller profile for delivery through the patient's vasculature. Examplesof suitable materials for self-expanding components described herein(e.g., support frames, valve anchors, locking members) include, but arenot limited to, medical grade nickel titanium alloys, tantalum, platinumalloys, niobium alloys, cobalt alloys, alginate, or combinationsthereof. Shape memory alloys having superelastic properties generallymade from ratios of nickel and titanium, commonly known as Nitinol, arepreferred materials. In some embodiments, self-expanding componentsdescribed herein can include materials including, but not limited toshape memory plastics, polymers, and thermoplastic materials which areinert in the body. In an alternative embodiment, either the supportframe 102 and/or the valve anchor 104 is not self-expanding, and may beexpanded, for example, using a balloon catheter as is well known in theart. Examples of suitable materials for components described hereininclude, but are not limited to, stainless steel and titanium.Optionally, either the support frame 102 and/or the valve anchor 104 cancomprise radiopaque materials to allow visualization under fluoroscopyor other imaging techniques.

Optionally, the support frame 102 can comprise one or more hooks 109that can engage with tissue of the native valve annulus, the aorticroot, or any other portion of the native valve when the support frame102 is expanded within the native valve annulus. The hooks 109 can beengaged with the native valve annulus to secure the prosthesis 100 andmitigate any downstream or antegrade migration of the prosthesis 100during operation.

The support frame 102 can comprise a first end portion 110 and a secondend portion 112. The first end portion 110 can be positioned upstream ofthe second end portion 112 when the prosthesis 100 is released withinthe native valve annulus. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first endportion 110 of the support frame 102 can be shaped as a generally flatend of a cylinder, where first apices 114 of the support frame 102 liegenerally in a common plane, which can be oriented substantiallyperpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis 120 of the prosthesis 100.Further, the second end portion 112 can be shaped to include a series ofpeaks 130 and valleys 132, where second apices or minor peaks 136 of thesupport frame 102 collectively form contours of the peaks 130 andvalleys 132. The peaks 130 and valleys 132 of the second end portion 112can be positioned downstream of the first end portion 110 when theprosthesis is seated within the native valve annulus.

In accordance with some embodiments, the prosthetic leaflets 106 can becoupled relative to the support frame 102 at locations circumferentiallyaligned with the peaks 130 of the second end portion 112, as shown inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the prosthetic leaflets 106 can be coupledto the membrane 108 using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenesutures. This unique configuration can advantageously enable theprosthesis 100 to more fully approximate the native valve structures,permit a more natural blood flow without limiting or otherwiseconstraining movement of the valve leaflets 106, and more seamlesslyintegrate with surrounding architecture of the heart. In someembodiments, the prosthetic leaflets 106 can comprise features,including, but not limited to, planar features, flat features,three-dimensional features, Bezier curves, or other suitable shapes.Optionally, the prosthetic leaflets 106 can be shaped through fixationon a leaflet-shaped mandrel.

The valve anchor 104 can comprise at least one U-shaped member, valveclasper, sinus locator, valve positioner, or valve hanger 140 thatextends about a longitudinal axis of the valve anchor 104. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the valve anchor 104 can comprise a plurality oflobes or U-shaped members 140, such as three U-shaped members 140, butcan have fewer or more. In some embodiments, U-shaped members 140 can beconfigured to engage with or fit inside the posterior aortic sinus, theleft aortic sinus, and the right aortic sinus of a native aortic valve.The U-shaped members 140 can each have a peak portion 142 and a baseportion 144. The U-shaped members 140 can each comprise first and secondlegs 146, 148. The first and second legs 146, 148 of the adjacentU-shaped members 140 can be interconnected at the peak portions 142thereof. Further, the U-shaped members 140 can comprise shapes otherthan a U-shape, such as a wave-shape, V-shape, W-shape, or zig-zag.Optionally, multiple valve anchors 104 can each comprise one or moreU-shaped members 140, wherein the multiple valve anchors 104cooperatively engage with the aortic sinus to anchor the valveprosthesis as described herein.

The valve prosthesis 100 can include a link mechanism that interconnectsthe support frame 102 to the valve anchor 104. The link mechanism cancomprise a single, continuous strand of material or multiple,independent strands of material that interconnects the support frame 102to the valve anchor 104. Further, the link mechanism can attach in asliding, engaged, or fixed manner to one or more locations on thesupport frame 102 and/or on the valve anchor 104.

In accordance with some embodiments, the valve anchor 104 may optionallydefine one or more engagement areas in one or more portions of the valveanchor 104, where a link mechanism may engage with the one or moreengagement areas to restrict relative motion between the support frame102 and the valve anchor 104.

For example, at the interconnection of the respective peak portions, thevalve anchor 104 can define an engagement area 150. The engagement area150 may also be referred to as a peak portion engagement area.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the support frame 102 can be flexibly coupledto the valve anchor 104 via one or more tethering components or linkmechanisms 160. The link mechanism 160 can be coupled to the supportframe 102 and to the valve anchor 104, permitting relative movementbetween the support frame 102 and the valve anchor 104. However, thelink mechanism 160 can be configured to limit relative movement betweenthe support frame 102 and to the valve anchor 104. In some embodiments,the engagement area 150 of the valve anchor 104 can be used to furtherrestrict relative motion of the support frame 102 with respect to thevalve anchor 104 when the link mechanism 160 is engaged in theengagement area 150, as discussed herein.

The valve anchor 104 can thus be coupled to the support frame 102 topermit the valve anchor 104 to be moved axially or longitudinallyrelative to the support frame 102 while still remaining coupled to thesupport frame 102. This advantageous feature of some embodiments canallow a clinician to independently position the valve anchor 104relative to the support frame 102. For example, in a transcatheteraortic valve replacement, the clinician can independently position thevalve anchor 104 in order to fit the base portions 144 of the valveanchor 104 into the aortic sinus. Portions of the of aortic sinus mayinclude the posterior aortic sinus, the left aortic sinus, and/or theright aortic sinus, of a native aortic valve. In some embodiments, thevalve anchor 104 can rotate to be aligned in the respective aorticsinuses. In some embodiments, the interconnection of the valve anchor104 to the support frame 102 can allow the valve anchor 104 toself-rotate to be aligned in the aortic sinus. Thereafter, with thevalve anchor 104 “landed” in the respective aortic sinuses, theinterconnection of the valve anchor 104 to the support frame 102 furtherenables the support frame 102 to translated along the longitudinal axis120 of the valve prosthesis 100. In some embodiments, during thedelivery procedure, the valve anchor 104 can be moved at least axiallyfrom a proximal position relative to the support frame 102, to a distalposition relative to the support frame 102, or from either of suchpositions to a position in which the support frame 102 at leastpartially longitudinally overlaps with or is concentric within the valveanchor 104. A range of various positions are illustrated, for example,in FIGS. 11A-11F of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/781,537, filed onDec. 18, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

For example, when the support frame 102 is nested within the valveanchor 104, as shown in FIG. 2, the base portions 144 of the valveanchor 104 can be longitudinally spaced apart from first end portion 110of the support frame 102 along the longitudinal axis 120 at a distancewhich is about 10% to about 100%, about 25% to about 75%, about 33% toabout 100%, about 33% to about 66%, about 25% to about 75%, about 50% toabout 75%, or about 60% to about 70% of a length of the support frame102. In some embodiments, the support frame 102 can be contained orotherwise fully overlapping the valve anchor 104. In some embodiments,the support frame 102 can have minimal or no overlap with the valveanchor 104. The support frame 102 can move along the longitudinal axis120 to overlap the valve anchor 104 by about 10% to about 100%, about25% to about 75%, about 33% to about 100%, about 33% to about 66%, about25% to about 75%, or about 50% to about 75% of the length of the supportframe 102. In accordance with some embodiments, the U-shaped members 140of the valve anchor 104 can be in nested positions within the aorticsinuses, and the base portions 144 of the valve anchor 104 can be aboutlongitudinally adjacent to, coplanar with, or spaced apart from thefirst end portion 110 of the support frame 102. For example, the valveanchor 104 can be in a nested position when at least one base portion144 of the valve anchor 104 is in contact with or adjacent to the basalattachments of the native aortic valvar leaflets. Further, the first endportion 110 of the support frame 102 can be longitudinally adjacent to,coplanar with, or spaced apart from the native valve structure (or avirtual ring formed by the basal attachments of the native aortic valvarleaflets) or with the ventriculo-aortic junction.

The link mechanism 160 can allow rotational and longitudinal movement ofthe valve anchor 104 relative to the support frame 102. Thus, despitethe presence of the link mechanism 160, the valve anchor 104 can moverotationally with respect to the support frame 102. Further, in someembodiments, the link mechanism 160 can be fixedly attached or coupledto the support frame 102 and fixedly or slidably attached to the valveanchor 104. When the support frame 102 is moved relative to the valveanchor 104, the link mechanism 160 can slide along the U-shaped members140. In some embodiments, the U-shaped members 140 have a generallyarcuate or convex shape (as illustrated with the U-shaped members ofFIG. 2) that allows unrestricted movement of the link mechanism 160along the geometry of the first and second legs 146, 148 of the U-shapedmembers 140. When the link mechanism 160 is allowed to slide along thefirst and second legs 146, 148 of the U-shaped members 140, the valveprosthesis 100 can be in a position referred to as a “slidable” state.In the slidable state, the range of longitudinal and/or rotationalmovement of the support frame 102 relative to the valve anchor 104 isvariable and may be its greatest because the link mechanism 160 can movealong the first and second legs 146, 148 of the U-shaped members 140.

In some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 can be fixedly attached orcoupled to the support frame 102 and fixedly attached to the valveanchor 104. When the support frame 102 is moved relative to the valveanchor 104, the link mechanism 160 can stretch, flex, deform elasticallyand/or plastically. As the link mechanism 160 deforms, the range oflongitudinal and/or rotational movement of the support frame 102relative to the valve anchor 104 is variable as allowed by thedeformation of the link mechanism 160.

In some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 can have multiple linkmembers, where each link member is coupled to and intermittently spacedabout a circumference of the support frame 102. Each link member may beslidably coupled to a respective one of the U-shaped members 140.Further, the link mechanism 160 can have multiple link members that arecoupled together in an end-to-end manner. Moreover, the link mechanism160 can have multiple link members that are individually coupled at oneand to the support frame 102 and at another and to the valve anchor 104.Each of the link members can be slidable along the valve anchor 104, asdisclosed similarly herein and not described again herein for brevity.

As noted above, however, the valve anchor 104 can also compriseengagement areas 150 that can engage with the link mechanism 160 inorder to restrict relative motion between the support frame 102 and thevalve anchor 104. The engagement areas 150 can include one or more localconcavities or other geometric shapes that can engage or trap the linkmechanism 160 once the link mechanism 160 passes into the engagementarea 150. FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate various embodiments of engagement areas150 that can be used to permit the slidable link mechanism 160 to enterinto the engagement area 150, but restrict the link mechanism 160 fromexiting the engagement area 150.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a side cross-sectional view is provided of thevalve prosthesis 100 loaded onto the delivery device 200, according tosome embodiments. Among the many features illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 3shows that a proximal enclosure 210 of delivery device 200 can extendover both the valve anchor 104 and the support frame 102. Thus, inaccordance with some embodiments, in the compressed or deliveryconfiguration shown in FIG. 3, the link mechanism (not shown) can extendbetween the valve anchor 104 and the support frame 102 and be at leastpartially enclosed within the proximal enclosure 210 (depending on theattachment point of the link mechanism with the support frame 102 andthe longitudinal extent of the proximal enclosure 210).

In addition, FIG. 3 illustrates that the valve anchor 104 can comprise alink motion limiter 240. The link motion limiter 240 can provide anenlarged profile of the wireframe structure of the valve anchor 104 soas to restrict or prevent motion of the link mechanism as the linkmechanism slides along the U-shaped member of the valve anchor 104.

In alternative embodiments of the delivery device 200, the valve anchor104 and the support frame 102 can both be enclosed within the proximalsheath component 204 prior to and during delivery prior to releasing thevalve anchor 104. For example, in some embodiments, the valve anchor 104can be distal to the support frame 102 wherein the valve anchor 104 isnear the distal end of the proximal sheath component 204 and the supportframe 102 can be approximately adjacent to the valve anchor 104 (in aserial configuration) and is proximal to the valve anchor 104. In someembodiments of the delivery device 200, the valve anchor 104 and thesupport frame 102 can both be enclosed within the proximal sheathcomponent 204, with the support frame 102 near the distal end of theproximal sheath component 204 and the valve anchor 104 beingapproximately adjacent to the support frame 102 and proximal to thesupport frame 102.

Further, in alternative embodiments of the delivery device 200, thevalve anchor 104 can be enclosed within the distal carrier assembly 206and the support frame 102 can be enclosed within the proximal sheathcomponent 204 prior to and during delivery of the valve prosthesis. Forexample, in some embodiments of the delivery device 200, both the valveanchor 104 and the support frame 102 can be enclosed within the distalcarrier assembly 206 and the support frame 102 can be enclosed withinthe proximal sheath component 204 prior to and during delivery of thevalve prosthesis. In this configuration, the valve anchor 104 and thesupport frame 102 can be approximately adjacent to one another (in aserial configuration) and the valve anchor 104 can be positionedproximal to the support frame 102. Other details of delivery devices andprostheses are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/781,537, notedabove and incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, FIG. 3 illustrates that an anchor retention component 170can be used to engage the engagement areas 150 of the valve anchor 104with the control member or a grasper 224 to facilitate movement andcontrol of the positioning of the valve anchor 104 during delivery. Asdiscussed with regard to FIGS. 7G-7I of U.S. Patent Application No.62/781,537, noted above, this engagement can maintain the engagementareas 150 in a common plane 152, oriented generally perpendicularrelative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device 200.

FIG. 4 illustrates aspects of the delivery device 200 a, according to atleast one embodiment. These figures do not illustrate all of thecomponents of the delivery device that can be incorporated into anembodiment. However, the features illustrated in these figures can beincorporated into embodiments of the delivery device to facilitateengagement with the valve anchor and/or facilitate delivery and controlof the valve anchor during implantation and release of the valve anchorat the target location.

For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a delivery device 200 athat comprises a grasper mechanism. The grasper mechanism can be used tosecurely couple a portion of the valve anchor with the delivery deviceto permit the clinician to control movement, operation, and deploymentof the valve anchor. The grasper mechanism can engage one or moreportions or structures of the valve anchor using a variety of couplingmechanisms, which can use attachment means including mechanicalengagement, dissolvable structures, chemically reactive degradablestructures, electrolytically degradable structures, and the like.

In some embodiments, the grasper mechanism can be a tubular graspermechanism. The delivery device 200 a, shown in FIG. 4, can comprise agrasper 224 a that can engage with and control the longitudinal positionof the valve anchor 104 a. The grasper 224 a of the delivery device 200a can comprise an engagement wire that is movable within a lumen of atubular enclosure. The valve anchor 104 a can be configured to comprisea clasper tang extending from an engagement area 150 d or 150 d′ of thevalve anchor 104 a. The engagement wire can comprise a distal endportion that includes pins, ridges, or protrusions that can be coupledto the engagement structure of the clasper tang at the engagement areaof the valve anchor 104 a. When engaged together, the engagement wireand the clasper tang can be proximally drawn into the lumen of thetubular enclosure, which secures the engagement wire and the claspertang relative to each other in both radial and longitudinal directions.However, when the engagement wire and the clasper tang are moved outsideof the lumen of the tubular enclosure, the engagement wire and theclasper tang can be disengaged as the valve anchor 104 a and the claspertang expand radially, thereby disengaging the clasper tang from theengagement wire. These and other features are discussed in U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/781,537, noted above and incorporated herein byreference.

During use, after the valve anchor has been released from within theproximal sheath and after the valve anchor and the valve frame have beenreleased from the delivery device, the delivery device can be configuredto be compactly reassembled and withdrawn into the introducer sheath inorder to minimize any damage to the blood vessel through which thedelivery device was advanced.

For example, in at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, theproximal enclosure 210 can comprise a proximal section 250 to facilitaterealignment (e.g., radial realignment) of the distal end portion 208 ofthe proximal sheath component 204 with the proximal enclosure 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the proximal section 250 can be coupled tothe core member 220. Further, the proximal section 250 can optionally beconical or tapered in a proximal direction and/or have circumferentialnodes 252 and/or circumferential cavities 254 that can facilitaterealignment of the proximal sheath component 204 relative to theproximal enclosure 210 along a longitudinal axis of the delivery device200. The tapering of the proximal section 250 can allow the distal endportion 208 of the proximal sheath component 204 to smoothly advancedistally over the proximal section 250, and the circumferential nodes252 can contact an inner surface of the distal end portion 208 of theproximal sheath component 204 as the distal end portion 208 approachesthe proximal abutment surface 214.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the circumferential nodes 252may gradually taper from the proximal abutment surface 214 in theproximal direction. With such a configuration, as the proximal sheathcomponent 204 slides distally toward the proximal enclosure 210, thecircumferential nodes 252 can advantageously guide the distal endportion 208 of the proximal sheath component 204 distally toward theproximal abutment surface 214 of the proximal enclosure 210 so that theouter surface of the proximal sheath component 204 is aligned with anouter surface of the proximal enclosure 210. Thus, the outer surfaces ofthe proximal enclosure 210 and the proximal sheath component 204 canprovide a smooth outer profile for the delivery device 200 that canadvantageously reduce the likelihood that the delivery device 200catches or otherwise damages tissue within a body lumen as the deliverydevice 200 is moved therewithin.

Optionally, the proximal section 250 can comprise three circumferentialnodes 252 and three circumferential cavities 254. The circumferentialnodes 252 may extend proximally from the proximal abutment surface 214.The three circumferential cavities 254 can correspond to the number ofU-shaped members of the valve anchor that are housed within the proximalsheath component 204 between the proximal sheath component 204 and theproximal section 250 of the proximal enclosure 210.

This advantageous feature of some embodiments can allow the distalenclosure 212 to be properly positioned along the delivery device 200 inorder to ensure that distal enclosure 212 does not snag or become caughton any structure during retrieval of the delivery device 200.

As also shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the proximal and distal enclosures210, 212 can collectively house the support frame 102. The first andsecond core members 220, 222 can be actuated to separate the proximaland distal enclosures 210, 212, thereby permitting the support frame 102to self-expand when in position within the valve anchor 104.

For example, by pushing or pulling the first core member 220, the secondcore member 222, and/or the proximal sheath component 204 relative toeach other along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device 200, aclinician can control longitudinal movement of each of these componentsto permit the release of the support frame 102 and the valve anchor 104of the valve prosthesis 100.

Further, in some embodiments, to facilitate delivery of the deliverydevice 200 to the target location, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, thesecond core member 222 can include a lumen 218 to permit the deliverydevice 200 to move along a guidewire, which can extend through the lumen218 of the second core member 222.

FIGS. 5A and 5B further illustrate positions of the proximal and distalenclosures 210, 212 during the release of the support frame 102. Afterseparating the proximal and distal enclosures 210, 212 from the positionillustrated in FIG. 5A to the position illustrated in FIG. 5B, the firstend portion 110 of the support frame 102 can begin to expand from thecompressed configuration to an expanded configuration. In someembodiments, the support frame 102 can have one or more anchors 109 (seealso FIG. 2) at its first end portion 110 that, when engaged with thenative valve structure can supplement the outward expansive force (dueto self-expansion of the support frame 102) and its resultant frictionalengagement, to mitigate downstream migration of the support frame 102relative to the native valve structure. Thus, by opening the first endportion 110 first (before the second end portion 112, and via relativemovement of the proximal and distal enclosures 210, 212), the first endportion 110 can “flower” out to facilitate release of the support frameand/or to engage with the native anatomy, such as the valve structureitself, to secure a longitudinal position of the support frame 102relative to the native valve structure. Thereafter, the second endportion 112 of the support frame 102 can be controlled and released tobecome disengaged and released from the proximal enclosure 210.

In some embodiments, the first end portion 110 and the second endportion 112 can open simultaneously, at the same or different rates. Forexample, in some embodiments, the first end portion 110 and the secondend portion 112 can open simultaneously, but with the first end portion110 opening at a faster rate than the second end portion 112.

Advantageously, the use of the proximal enclosure 210 and the distalenclosure 212 allows for greater control and enhanced operation of thesupport frame 102. For example, by controlling the position and rate ofseparation of the proximal enclosure 210 and the distal enclosure 212,the opening of the support frame 102 at both the first end portion 110and the second end portion 112 can be controlled. Further, bycontrolling the movement of the distal enclosure 212, the timing andrate of opening of the first end portion 110 can be controlled relativeto the timing and rate of opening of the second end portion 112 (whichmay be controlled by the movement of the proximal enclosure 210).

Additionally and advantageously, by having separate proximal and distalenclosures 210, 212, the delivery device 200 may experience reducedfrictional forces and minimize travel of the enclosures 210, 212relative to the support frame 102.

In particular, in accordance with some embodiments, the distal carrierassembly 206 can comprise a plunger mechanism 260 that can facilitateexpansion of the support frame 102. The plunger mechanism 260 can expandfrom a compressed state (shown in FIG. 5A) to an extended state (shownin FIG. 5A). The plunger mechanism 260 can be biased by a spring orother device in order to move automatically from the compressed state tothe extended state. However, the plunger mechanism 260 can also bemanually actuated by the clinician in some embodiments.

As illustrated, the plunger mechanism 260 can comprise a plunger head262 and a biasing means 264. The plunger head 262 can comprise a conicalor tapered proximal portion 286. The conical proximal portion 286 can beconfigured to not contact only the first end portion of the supportframe 102 during delivery, but can also help center a distal end portion290 of the tubular portion 282 of the proximal enclosure 210 relative toa longitudinal axis of the delivery device 200 and help align the distalend portion 290 with a proximal end portion 292 of the tubular portion272 of the distal enclosure 212. The plunger head 262 can also comprisean outer circumferential surface 294 that can contact not only an innersurface 296 of the tubular portion 272, but can also contact an innersurface 298 of the tubular portion 282 when the tubular portion 282 isdistally advanced over the conical proximal portion 286 of the plungerhead 262.

Further, the plunger mechanism 260 can be housed within a distal lumen270 of a tubular portion 272 of the distal enclosure 212. For example,the biasing means 264 may be a spring. The biasing means 264 can beinterposed between an interior structure or wall 274 of the distal lumen270 and a distal surface or structure 276 of the plunger head 262. Theplunger head 262 can move proximally within the distal lumen 270 inorder to continue to exert a proximally oriented force on the first endportion 110 of the support frame 102 until the support frame 102 exitsthe distal lumen 270. Thereafter, in accordance with some embodiments,the support frame 102 can self-expand until the second end portion 112is pulled out of a proximal lumen 280 of a tubular portion 282 of theproximal enclosure 210 as the support frame 102 continues to expand. Theexpanded state of the support frame 102 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the valveanchor 104 having an engagement area 150 that is formed between firstand second U-shaped members 140 a, 140 b. The first U-shaped member 140a comprises a second leg 148 a, and the second U-shaped member 140 bcomprises a first leg 146 b. The engagement area 150 can be formed ordisposed between the first leg 146 b and the second leg 148 a.

The engagement area 150 can comprise an eyelet or anchor retentioncomponent 170, and the first and second legs 146 b, 148 a can extend ina direction toward the peak portions 142 thereof. The first and secondlegs 146 b, 148 a can also each comprise a bend or curve that causes thefirst and second legs 146 b, 148 a to bend in a direction away from thepeak portions 142 and to converge at the anchor retention component 170.This configuration creates a local concavity or cove whereinto the linkmechanism 160 can slide and be engaged. Further, as discussed furtherbelow, the anchor retention component 170 can be used to engage with thecontrol member or a grasper to facilitate movement and control of thepositioning of the valve anchor 104 during delivery. As shown in FIG.6A, in some embodiments, the anchor retention component 170 may be in ashape of an eyelet, aperture, or hole that extends through theengagement area 150 of the valve anchor 104.

Further, as illustrated, the anchor retention component 170 can allowfor the control member or the grasper to engage with the valve anchor104 for a retrograde approach (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11F of U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/781,537, noted above) or an antegrade approach (asshown in FIGS. 12A-12F of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/781,537, notedabove). For example, the anchor retention component 170 can receive acontrol member or a grasper approaching the valve anchor 104 proximal tothe peak portions 142 to allow the valve anchor 104 to be used for aretrograde (e.g., transfemoral retrograde) approach in delivering thevalve anchor 104. Further, the anchor retention component 170 canreceive the control member or the grasper approaching the valve anchor104 proximal to the first and second U-shaped members 140 a, 140 b toallow the valve anchor 104 to be used for an antegrade, apical, ortransapical approach in delivering the valve anchor 104.

Similar to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a valve anchor104 a having an engagement area 150 a formed between first and secondU-shaped members 140 aa, 140 ba. The first U-shaped member 140 aacomprises a second leg 148 aa, and the second U-shaped member 140 bacomprises a first leg 146 ba. The engagement area 150 a is formed ordisposed between the first leg 146 ba and the second leg 148 aa. Thefirst and second legs 146 ba, 148 aa can extend in a direction towardthe peak portions 142 a thereof. The first and second legs 146 ba, 148aa can also each comprise a bend or curve that causes the first andsecond legs 146 ba, 148 aa to bend in a direction away from the peakportions 142 a and to converge to form a keyhole shape or narrow-waistedcove 170 a. The keyhole shape or narrow-waisted cove 170 a may be usedas an anchor retention component to engage with the control member orthe grasper. Again, this configuration creates a local concavity or covewhereinto the link mechanism 160 can slide and be engaged.

Further, FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate additional embodiments of valveanchors 104 b, 104 c having engagement areas 150 b, 150 c. Similar tothe embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the details of which will notbe repeated for brevity (but can optionally be incorporated into theembodiments of FIGS. 6C and 6D, as well), first and second U-shapedmembers 140 ab, 140 bb, 140 ac, 140 bc can have bends or curves whichform the respective engagement areas 150 b, 150 c. These configurationscan be referred to as collectively providing a “triple switchback”design that is created by the first and second legs 146 bb, 148 ab and146 bc, 148 ac, respectively. The engagement area 150 b is deeper thanthe engagement area 150 c, and the depth can be varied in order tofacilitate capture of the link mechanism 160 therein.

FIG. 6E illustrates an additional embodiment of valve anchor 104 dhaving engagement area 150 d. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS.6A and 6B, the details of which will not be repeated for brevity (butcan optionally be incorporated into the embodiment of FIG. 6E, as well),first and second U-shaped members 140 ad, 140 bd can have bends orcurves which form the engagement area 150 d. Similarly, thisconfiguration can also be referred to as providing a “triple switchback”design that is created by the first and second legs 146 bd, 148 ad.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6E, in some embodiments, the engagementarea 150 d can include one or more barbs 151 d to facilitate capture ofthe link mechanism 160 therein. In some embodiments, the barbs 151 d candeflect downward to allow the link mechanism 160 to pass over the barb151 d, while preventing the link mechanism 160 from returning over thebarb 151 d.

FIG. 6F illustrates an additional embodiment of valve anchor 104 ehaving engagement area 150 e. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS.6A and 6B, the details of which will not be repeated for brevity (butcan optionally be incorporated into the embodiment of FIG. 6F, as well),first and second U-shaped members 140 ae, 140 be can have bends orcurves which form the engagement area 150 e. The first and second legs146 be, 148 ae can also each comprise a bend or curve that causes thefirst and second legs 146 be, 148 ae to bend in a direction away fromthe peak portions 142 e and to converge at towards the clasper tang 170e to create a local concavity or cove whereinto the link mechanism 160can slide and be engaged.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6F, in some embodiments, the engagementarea 150 e can also comprise a central grasping portion or clasper tang170 e that extends from the engagement area 150 e. As discussed below,the clasper tang 170 e can be used as an anchor retention component toengage with a control member or grasper of the delivery device tofacilitate movement and control of the positioning of the valve anchor104 during delivery. In some embodiments, the clasper tang 170 e cancomprise an engagement structure, socket, aperture, or protrusion 172.The engagement structure 172 can be positioned along the length or bodyof the clasper tang 170 e. As illustrated, the engagement structure 172can be positioned centrally at a distal end portion of the clasper tang170 e.

FIG. 6G illustrates an additional embodiment of valve anchor 104 fhaving engagement area 150 f. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.6A and 6B, the details of which will not be repeated for brevity (butcan optionally be incorporated into the embodiment of FIG. 6G, as well),first and second U-shaped members 140 af, 140 bf can have bends orcurves which form the engagement area 150 f. The first and second legs146 bf, 148 af can also each comprise a bend or curve that causes thefirst and second legs 146 bf, 148 af to bend in a direction away fromthe peak portions 142 f and to converge at towards the clasper tang 170f to create a local concavity or cove whereinto the link mechanism 160can slide and be engaged.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6G, in some embodiments, the engagementarea 150 f can also comprise an eyelet or anchor retention component 171f and a central grasping portion or clasper tang 170 f that extends fromthe engagement area 150 f Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A,the anchor retention component 171 f may be in a shape of an eyelet,aperture, or hole that extends through the engagement area 150 f of thevalve anchor 104 f. Further, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6F,the clasper tang 170 f can be used as another anchor retention componentto engage with a control member or grasper of the delivery device tofacilitate movement and control of the positioning of the valve anchor104 f during delivery.

As illustrated, the clasper tang 170 f can allow for the control memberor the grasper to engage with the valve anchor 104 f for a transfemoralretrograde approach (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11F of U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/781,537, noted above), and the anchor retentioncomponent 171 f can allow for the control member or the grasper toengage with the valve anchor 104 f for an antegrade approach (as shownin FIGS. 12A-12F of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/781,537, notedabove). For example, the clasper tang 170 f can receive a control memberor a grasper approaching the valve anchor 104 f proximal to the peakportions 142 f to allow the valve anchor 104 to be used for a retrograde(e.g., a transfemoral retrograde) approach in delivering the valveanchor 104 f. Further, the anchor retention component 171 f can receivethe control member or the grasper approaching the valve anchor 104 fproximal to the first and second U-shaped members 140 af, 140 bf toallow the valve anchor 104 f to be used for an antegrade, apical, ortransapical approach in delivering the valve anchor 104 f.

Further, as also illustrated and discussed later in FIGS. 10A-10D, theengagement structure 172 f can comprise an aperture that can receive arespective protrusion of a distal end portion of a grasper member forcoupling the clasper tang 170 f to the grasper. However, someembodiments can be provided in which the engagement structure 172 of theclasper tang 170 f uses a protrusion and the grasper member uses acorresponding aperture.

FIG. 6H illustrates an additional embodiment of valve anchor 104 ghaving engagement area 150 g. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.6C and 6D, the details of which will not be repeated for brevity (butcan optionally be incorporated into or omitted from the embodiment ofFIG. 6H), the first and second U-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg can havebends or curves which form the engagement area 150 g. Theseconfigurations can be referred to as collectively providing a “tripleswitchback” design that is created by the first and second U-shapedmembers 140 ag, 140 bg, respectively.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6H, in some embodiments, the U-shapedmembers 140 ag, 140 bg, 140 cg, can optionally comprise a centralgrasping portion or clasper tang 170 g that extends from a mediallocation of the base portion of the U-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg, 140cg. Optionally, multiple valve anchors 104 g can each comprise one ormore U-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg, 140 cg, wherein the multiple valveanchors 104 g cooperatively engage with the aortic sinus to anchor thevalve prosthesis as described herein.

For example, the clasper tang 170 g can extend from a base portion 144 gof the U-shaped member 140 ag, 140 bg in an axial direction toward theengagement areas of the valve anchor 104 g or radially inside the bendof the U-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg of the valve anchor 104 g.

As discussed below, the clasper tang 170 g can be used as an anchorretention component. For example, the clasper tang 170 g can engage witha control member or grasper of the delivery device to facilitatemovement and control of the positioning of the valve anchor 104 g duringdelivery. This engagement can advantageously provide greater controlover the articulation of the U-shaped members, as well as to function asa link motion limiter. Such features and benefits are discussed furtherbelow.

In some embodiments, by locating the clasper tang 170 g at the baseportion of the U-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg, 140 cg, the valve anchor104 g may have an increased bending stiffness at the grasper attachmentpoints during delivery. In some applications, the valve anchor 104 g mayadvantageously be less likely to invert during delivery due to theincreased bending stiffness. Further, control of the base portions 144 gcan permit a clinician to specifically control the articulation andplacement of the U-shaped members relative to the sinus structure of thenative valve during delivery and placement of the valve anchor 104 g.

In some embodiments, the clasper tang 170 g can comprise an engagementstructure, socket, aperture, or protrusion 172 g. The engagementstructure 172 g can be positioned along the length or body of theclasper tang 170 g. As illustrated, the engagement structure 172 g canbe positioned centrally at a distal end portion of the clasper tang 170g.

As illustrated and discussed in regard to other aspects of thisdisclosure (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A-10F), the clasper tang 170 g can allowfor the control member or the grasper to engage with the valve anchor104 g for a retrograde approach (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11F of U.S.Patent Application No. 62/781,537, noted above) or for an antegradeapproach (as shown in FIGS. 12A-12F of U.S. Patent Application No.62/781,537, noted above).

For example, the clasper tang 170 g can receive a control member or agrasper approaching the valve anchor 104 g proximal to the peak portions142 g to allow the valve anchor 104 g to be used for a retrogradeapproach (e.g., a transfemoral retrograde approach) in delivering thevalve anchor 104 g. Further, the clasper tang 170 g can receive thecontrol member or the grasper approaching the valve anchor 104 gproximal to the first and second U-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg toallow the valve anchor 104 g to be used for an antegrade approach (e.g.,an apical or transapical approach) in delivering the valve anchor 104 f.

Optionally, as noted above, the clasper tang 170 g (collectively, withthe grasper 224 b, as shown in the example of FIGS. 10G and 10H) canalso serve as a link motion limiter, as described herein with regard toFIGS. 9A-9E, to provide an enlarged profile as to restrict or preventmotion of the link mechanism as the link mechanism slides along theU-shaped members 140 ag, 140 bg, 140 cg of the valve anchor 104 g.

These various designs are examples of engagement areas that can be usedin some embodiments disclosed herein. Further, in any of the embodimentsdisclosed in FIGS. 6A-6D, the engagement area can comprise barbs orhooks over which the link mechanism 160 can pass. The barbs or hooks canpermit one-way motion of the link mechanism 160—once the link mechanism160 crosses the barbs or hooks, the barbs or hooks will prevent reversemovement of the link mechanism 160 over the barbs or hooks. Theillustrated embodiments provide double peaks or coves that can tend tocapture the link mechanism during the stages of prosthesis delivery, asdiscussed herein. When the link mechanism is so captured, the valveprosthesis 100 can be in a position referred to as a “retained”position.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate movement of the link mechanism along legs of theU-shaped members and capture of the link mechanism within the engagementarea, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7A illustrates an embodimentof the valve anchor 104 having first and second U-shaped members 140 a,140 b and a link mechanism 160 that is in the slidable position. FIG. 7Cillustrates an embodiment of the valve anchor 104 with the linkmechanism 160 in the retained position.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the link mechanism 160 is in a slidableposition and therefore, can slide freely along the first and second legs146 b, 148 a of the first and second U-shaped members 140 a, 140 b, asindicated by the arrows 180, 182. The link mechanism 160 has a loop 162that loops around the second leg 148 a of the first U-shaped member 140a, and a loop 164 that loops around the first leg 146 b of the secondU-shaped member 140 b. The loops 162, 164 can be shaped in mirror imagesof each other (i.e., the pathway or course of the link mechanism 160around the second leg 148 a and the first leg 146 b can be mirror imagesof each other), as shown.

As also generally illustrated in FIG. 7A, the link mechanism 160 can bewoven between the U-shaped member 140 and corresponding circumferentialattachment points or positions at or on the support frame 102. Forexample, a first segment 192 of the link mechanism 160 can loop aroundthe second leg 148 a and extend towards a first attachment point on thesupport frame. Further, a second segment 194 of the link mechanism 160can loop around the first leg 146 b and extend towards a secondattachment point on the support frame, different from the firstattachment point. This weaving pattern is also generally shown in FIGS.8A and 9A.

Furthermore, with the first and second segments 192, 194 extending awayfrom the engagement area 150, it is also apparent that in FIG. 7A, thesupport frame is positioned somewhat distally relative to the valveanchor 104, thus causing the link mechanism 160, when taut, to extendtoward the support frame in a direction away from the engagement area150. Furthermore, an intermediate segment 196 of the link mechanism 160may have some slack and be relatively long (compared to its status andlength shown in FIG. 7C, which is explained below).

In some embodiments, the slack and length in the intermediate segment196 of the link mechanism 160, when the link mechanism 160 is in theslidable position, allow the intermediate section 196 to be engaged by atension member 198. As shown, the tension member 198 can comprise aflexible loop 199 that can be engaged with the intermediate section 196such that the intermediate section 196 passes through the flexible loop199. As discussed further below, the tension member 198 can extendproximally relative to the prosthesis 100 and assist in maintaining theintermediate section 196 in a tucked or compact configuration, so thatthe link mechanism 160 does not catch or become tangled duringadvancement of the prosthesis 100 to the target valve annulus during theprocedure.

For example, in use, the tension member 198 can be maintained at aposition that generally allows the intermediate section 196 to be pulledproximally to remove or reduce slack in the link mechanism 160 when thevalve anchor 104 is in the compressed configuration. In someembodiments, the tension members 198 can be positioned in a fixedposition relative to the grasper 224, and the flexible loop 199 can belongitudinally positioned distal or proximal to distal ends, pinchers,or hooks 226 of the grasper 224. However, during relative movement ofthe support frame 102 and the valve anchor 104, when the support frame102 is distally advanced relative to the valve anchor 104 (when theanchor 104 is expanded at the target location), the slack in theintermediate section 196 will lessen and eventually, the flexible loop199 of the tension member 198 will bend and release the intermediatesection 196, thus disengaging the tension member 198 from the linkmechanism 160. The general arrangement of the prosthesis 100, includingthe when loaded onto the delivery device, as shown in FIGS. 8A-9B and inthe delivery stages of FIGS. 11A and 11B of U.S. Patent Application No.62/781,537, noted above.

Further, various embodiments of the link mechanism 160 (e.g., 160 a, 160b, 160 c, 160 d, 160 e, and/or combinations thereof) are illustrated inFIGS. 8A-8G. In accordance with some embodiments, it is contemplatedthat any version of the link mechanism can be interchangeably used withthe prosthesis or features thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, some embodiments of the delivery device canuse a link mechanism 160 a without a tension member. Thus, the linkmechanism 160 a can be attached to the support frame 102 and the valveanchor 104 and have a length configured such that in a delivery state(such as shown in FIG. 8A), the link mechanism 160 a is generally taut.As shown, an intermediate segment 196 a of the link mechanism 160 a mayhave less slack and length between the loops 162 and 164 compared to thelink mechanism 160 shown in FIG. 7A. In some embodiments,advantageously, the length of the intermediate segment 196 a and tautstate thereof may avoid the use of a tension member while stillmaintaining the intermediate section 196 a in a tucked or compactconfiguration. Thus, the link mechanism 160 a does not catch or becometangled during the advancement of the prosthesis 100 to the target valveannulus during the procedure.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the link mechanism 160 a can be woven between theU-shaped member 140 and corresponding circumferential attachment pointsor positions at or on the support frame 102. For example, a firstsegment 192 of the link mechanism 160 a can loop around the second leg148 a and extend towards a first attachment point on the support frame.Further, a second segment 194 of the link mechanism 160 a can looparound the first leg 146 b and extend towards the first attachment pointon the support frame (FIG. 8B) or a second attachment point on thesupport frame, different from the first attachment point (FIG. 8C). Insome embodiments, the link mechanism 160 a can be tied, looped, and/orwound to the attachment points of the support frame. As illustrated, anintermediate segment 196 a of the link mechanism 160 a may interconnectthe loop around the first leg 146 b and the loop around the second leg148 a. In some embodiments, the use of the link mechanism 160 a withouta tension member may facilitate the serial “stacked” arrangement of thevalve anchor 104 and the support frame 102.

When the support frame is retracted proximally relative to the valveanchor 104, the link mechanism 160 can slide along the U-shaped members140 toward the engagement area 150. Thus, moving from the position ofthe link mechanism 160 in FIG. 7A (or similarly, from the position ofthe link mechanism 160 a and FIG. 7B) to the position of the linkmechanism 160 in FIG. 7C, the first and second segments 192, 194 are nowpulled in a direction proximal to the engagement area 150. Thisproximally oriented pulling of the link mechanism 160, 160 a has drawnthe first and second loops 162, 164 distally into the engagement area150. Further, in embodiments utilizing the tension member 198, duringthis movement (or when the support frame 102 is moved distally relativeto the valve anchor 104), the tension member 198 will eventuallydisengage from the link mechanism 160. Additionally, because the linkmechanism 160 can slide around the legs 146 b, 148 a via the loops 162,164, the relative length of the intermediate segment 196 decreases andis much smaller in FIG. 7C due to the proximally oriented pulling of thelink mechanism 160 (which causes more of the length of the linkmechanism 160 to be drawn into the first and second segments 192, 194than in the intermediate segment 196). Accordingly, a clinician canreduce the length of the intermediate segment 196 by pulling the supportframe proximally relative to the valve anchor 104 until the first andsecond segments 192, 194 of the link mechanism 160 are taut. Thisgeneral arrangement in illustrated in the delivery stage of FIG. 9D ofU.S. Patent Application No. 62/781,537, noted above.

Thereafter, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 7C, the support framecan later be advanced distally relative to the valve anchor 104 andlongitudinally overlap with the valve anchor 104, thus pulling the firstand second segments 192′, 194′ of the link mechanism 160′ in a distaldirection relative to the engagement area 150. However, in someembodiments, due to the reduced length of the intermediate segment 196,which can be less than a width of the engagement area 150 (which can berepresented by a peak-to-peak width of the curves of the second leg 148a and the first leg 146 b), one or both of the loops 162, 164 will tendto remain captured within the engagement area 150 when the support frameis advanced distally relative to the valve anchor 104. In this manner,the engagement of the loops 162, 164 within the engagement area 150 canrestrict or prevent the loops 162, 164 of the link mechanism 160′ fromsliding distally along either the first or second legs 146 b, 148 a. Theprosthesis 100 is thus in the retained position, and the range oflongitudinal and/or rotational movement of the support frame 102relative to the valve anchor 104 is fixed as the link mechanism 160 isretained within the engagement area 150.

FIGS. 7A-7C also illustrate an embodiment of a control member or grasperof a delivery device (e.g., as shown further below in FIG. 8A) that canbe used to engage the anchor retention component 170 of the engagementarea 150. It is noted that, the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS.6A and 7A-7C show that the anchor retention component 170 is disposed atthe peak portion 142. However, in other embodiments, the anchorretention component 170 may be disposed in one or more other portions ofthe U-shaped member 140. Further, although the anchor retentioncomponent 170 is illustrated as being positioned in a valley between twopeaks formed by the looping ends of the first leg 146 b of the secondU-shaped member 140 b and the second leg 148 a of a first U-shapedmember 140 a, the valve anchor 104 can be configured to comprise arounded, single-peak section (i.e., without dual peaks or anintermediate valley) at which the anchor retention component 170 isformed between the first leg 146 b and the second leg 148 a. Thefunction and structure of the grasper as discussed further herein, forexample, with respect to FIGS. 8-9B.

In accordance with some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 can have afixed length. The fixed length of the link mechanism 160 can restrictlongitudinal, circumferential (i.e., rotational), and/or radial movementthat the valve anchor 104 relative to the support frame 102 when theprosthesis 100 is in either the slidable or retained positions. Thus,the link mechanism 160 can comprise a material that is not stretchable.In some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 can comprise a suture, madefrom materials known in the art. The fixed length of the link mechanism160 can be configured to ensure that when in the retained position, thesupport frame 102 is advanced to a maximum distal position relative tothe valve anchor 104 that provides an optimal placement of the supportframe 102 relative to the valve anchor 104.

Further, in some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 can comprise asingle, continuous strand of material that is interwoven with thesupport frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 at multiple locations, asillustrated in FIG. 2. In such embodiments, the single, continuousstrand can be tied at its ends to a coupling point(s) of the supportframe 102 and looped or wound around other coupling points of thesupport frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 at (many or all) otherlocations. When looped or wound around a coupling point of the supportframe 102 or the valve anchor 104, the continuous-stranded linkmechanism 160 can slide or move relative to the support frame 102 orvalve anchor 104, which provides various advantages that are discussedherein.

In some embodiments using a single, continuous link mechanism 160 and asingle U-shaped member of the valve anchor, a loop length of thecontinuous link mechanism 160 can be greater than the sum of (i) acompressed circumference of the support frame and (ii) two times alongitudinal length of the support frame. Further, in some embodimentsusing a single, continuous link mechanism 160 and a plurality ofU-shaped members, a loop length of the continuous link mechanism 160 canbe between about 80% to about 120% of a sum of (i) a compressedcircumference of the support frame and (ii) four times a longitudinallength of the support frame. For example, in some embodiments, a single,continuous link mechanism 160 can be interwoven with three U-shapedmembers of the valve anchor, and a loop length of the continuous linkmechanism 160 can be between about 80% to about 120% of a sum of (i) acompressed circumference of the support frame and (ii) six times alongitudinal length of the support frame.

In some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 can comprise multiple,individual lengths of material that are coupled at one end to thesupport frame 102 and at another end to the valve anchor 104. Forexample, the link mechanism 160 can be fixedly attached (i.e., so as tonot move or slide) at one end to the valve anchor 104 and slidablyattached at the other end to the support frame 102 to provide themovement and capturing of the link mechanisms 160 within the engagementareas 150, as discussed above.

Whether the link mechanism 160 comprises a single, continuous strand ormultiple, individual lengths of material, a longitudinal length orextent of the link mechanism(s) 160 can be between about 110% and about170%, such as less than 170%, 160%, 150%, 140%, 130%, 120%, or 110%, ofa longitudinal length of the valve anchor when the valve anchor and thesupport frame are in the compressed configuration. Further, alongitudinal length or extent of the link mechanism(s) 160 can bebetween about 40% and about 130%, such as less than 130%, 120%, 110%,100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, or 40% of a longitudinal length of thevalve anchor when the valve anchor and the support frame are in theexpanded configuration.

The present disclosure also describes various aspects of a deliverydevice for, e.g., transfemoral delivery of a valve prosthesis. Thedelivery device can support a valve prosthesis, such as the prosthesis100 discussed above. The delivery device can comprise a proximal sheathcomponent, a distal carrier assembly, and a control unit, wherein thedistal carrier assembly is distal to the proximal sheath component, andthe proximal sheath component is distal to the control unit. In someembodiments, the distal carrier assembly can comprise a conical ortapered end portion. The proximal sheath component and the distalcarrier assembly can at least partially enclose the support frame andthe valve anchor of the valve prosthesis prior to and during delivery ofthe valve prosthesis. The configuration of the delivery device withrespect to the proximal sheath component and the distal carrierassembly, the support frame, and the valve anchor can allow the valveanchor and the support frame to be loaded or positioned serially alongthe longitudinal axis in a compact condition, thus enabling the deliverydevice to achieve a minimal crossing profile to reduce any difficulty inadvancing the delivery device to the target location within the patient.The distance from which the valve anchor may be serially displaced fromthe support frame is highly variable. This may allow the user tominimize the radius of the delivery device which must be advancedthrough, for example, arteries and veins. Further, the valve anchor canbe expanded and positioned independent of the support frame prior topositioning and releasing the support frame, as described in greaterdetail below. Additionally, a link mechanism that interconnects thevalve anchor to the support frame can advantageously facilitate reliablepositioning of the support frame relative to the valve anchor.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-10H, the prosthesis 100 is illustrated loadedonto a delivery device 200. Using the delivery device 200, the valveprosthesis 100 can be delivered and expanded component by component inorder to achieve the expanded configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.During this component-by-component expansion process (illustrated in thedelivery stages of FIGS. 11A-11F of U.S. Patent Application No.62/781,537, noted above), the ability of the link mechanism 160 to movealong the U-shaped members of the valve anchor 104 provides severaldistinct benefits. For example, one of these benefits is illustrated inFIGS. 8A-9E, which is that during delivery of the valve prosthesis 100,it is advantageous to have the valve anchor 104 positioned serially fromthe support frame 102 in order to achieve a minimal outer profile forthe delivery device. This serial positioning allows the delivery device200 to have a minimized outer diameter, which can allow the deliverydevice 200 to be more easily advanced through blood vessels.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-9E, the delivery device can carry the supportframe, the valve anchor, and the link mechanism of the valve prosthesis.For example, FIG. 8A shows that the delivery device 200 can carry thesupport frame 102, the valve anchor 104, and the link mechanism 160 ofthe valve prosthesis 100. The delivery device 200 can comprise one ormore elongate core members that extend along a longitudinal axis of thedelivery device 200.

The delivery device 200 can also comprise a proximal sheath component204 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8A to illustrate the underlyingcomponents and features of the prosthesis 100 and the delivery device200) and a distal carrier assembly 206 (also shown in dashed lines inFIG. 8A to illustrate the underlying components and features of theprosthesis 100 and the delivery device 200). The proximal sheathcomponent 204 can be coupled to and extend distal to a control unit(illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13H of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/781,537,noted above), through which the clinician can control movement of thevarious components of the delivery device 200.

The distal carrier assembly 206 can be a two-part component that isconfigured to house at least one of the valve anchor or the supportframe. The distal carrier assembly 206 comprise a proximal enclosure 210(shown in dashed lines) and a distal enclosure 212 (shown in dashedlines). The proximal enclosure 210 can be coupled to a first core member220, and the distal enclosure 212 can be coupled to a second core member222. In some embodiments, the distal enclosure 212 can be threadedlyand/or adhesively coupled or bonded to the second core member 222. Forexample, the second core member 222 may include a hollow shaft. Thefirst and second core members 220, 222 can allow a clinician tomanipulate the relative positions of the proximal and distal enclosures210, 212. Together, the proximal sheath component 204 and the distalcarrier assembly 206 can collectively house the valve anchor 104 and thesupport frame 102, respectively, during delivery of the valve prosthesis100 to a target location within the body (e.g., discussed herein as theaortic valve annulus) and be actuated by the clinician to position andrelease the valve prosthesis 100. Further, the distal enclosure 212 cancomprise a conical or tapered anterior or distal portion to facilitatemovement through the vasculature. In some embodiments, the distalcarrier assembly 206 can be referred to as a two-part distal enclosureor a split nose cone assembly. Optionally, the distal enclosure 212 cancomprise, be formed from, or include features that comprise a radiopaquematerial such as platinum.

FIGS. 8A-9E show the delivery device 200 prior to delivery of theprosthesis 100, in a loaded configuration. As shown, the first andsecond core members 220, 222 extend through the delivery device 200 andare coupled at their distal ends to proximal and distal enclosures 210,212, respectively, of the distal carrier assembly 206. As illustrated inthese figures, the second core member 222 can be disposed within a lumenof the first core member 220 and slidable therewithin. Accordingly, theproximal enclosure 210 of the distal carrier assembly 206, as well asthe proximal sheath component 204, can be slidable relative to thesecond core member 222 and the distal enclosure 212.

As also shown, the proximal sheath component 204 can extend distallyover the valve anchor 104 to enclose the valve anchor 104 within a lumenof the proximal sheath component 204 and maintain the valve anchor 104in a compressed state. The lumen of the proximal sheath component 204may also be referred to as a proximal sheath lumen. The proximal sheathcomponent 204 can be retracted relative to the valve anchor 104 in orderto permit the base portions of the U-shaped members of the valve anchor104, thereafter to expand and later be maneuvered into position withinthe aortic sinuses.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 8A-9E (see also FIGS. 7A-7C), the deliverydevice 200 can comprise at least one grasper 224 that can engage withand control positioning of the valve anchor 104. The grasper 224 cancomprise distal ends, pinchers, or hooks 226 at its distal end that canbe coupled to the peak portions of the U-shaped members of the valveanchor 104. For example, the pinchers 226 of the grasper 224 can becoupled to the anchor retention component 170 at the engagement area ofthe valve anchor 104 to cause the grasper 224 to be engaged with thevalve anchor 104. The number of graspers 224 preferably equals thenumber of engagement areas 150 or U-shaped members 140 of the valveanchor 104. Each of the graspers 224 can comprise a tubular enclosure228 through which a pair of wires, which terminate in the pinchers orhooks 226, passes. The wires can be pulled proximally relative to thetubular enclosure 228 in which the wires are housed in order to tightenthe pinchers 226 around the anchor retention component 170, thusengaging the valve anchor 104. In order to release the pinchers 226, thewires can be shifted distally relative to the tubular enclosure 228thereby allowing the pinchers 226 to spring open radially and releasethe anchor retention component 170. The distal end of each of thegraspers 224 can enclose or be coupled to a hook of the valve anchor104.

The interconnection between the distal ends, pinchers, or hooks 226 ofthe graspers 224 and the valve anchor 104 can permit the valve anchor104 of the support frame 102 to be held in a stationary and/orcompressed position relative to or within the proximal sheath component204. For example, as discussed with regard to FIGS. 7G-7I of U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/781,537, noted above, this engagement can maintainthe engagement areas 150 in a common plane 152, oriented generallyperpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device200. Additionally, when the proximal sheath component 204 is proximallyretracted relative to the distal ends of the graspers 224, the valveanchor 104 can begin to expand; however, the engagement between thegraspers 224 and the engagement areas 150 can allow a clinician to push,pull, or rotate the valve anchor relative to the delivery device 200before fully releasing the valve anchor 104 from engagement with thedelivery device 200. For example, this can allow the clinician to rotateor push the base portions 144 of the valve anchor 104 into the nestedposition within the aortic sinuses, as discussed above. Thereafter, oncein the nested position, the engagement areas 150 of the valve anchor 104can be released from the pinchers 226 of the graspers 224, and the valveanchor 104 can fully expand and be released into apposition with thenative valve annulus.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the deliverydevice 200 can include a link mechanism 160 a that interconnects thesupport frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 without a tension member. Asillustrated in FIG. 8B, a link mechanism 160 a can be woven between thesupport frame 102 and the valve anchor 104. In the depicted example ofFIG. 8B, the link mechanism 160 a can be coupled to an attachment point221 a on the support frame 102, extend toward and loop around a firstleg of the valve anchor 104, then toward a second leg of the valveanchor 104, and then extends back toward the attachment point 221 a. Thelink mechanism 160 a can be tied, looped, or wound around the supportframe 102 at the attachment point 221 a. In some embodiments, one ormore of the ties, loops, or windings of the link mechanism 160 a can befixed relative to or capable of sliding along the leg(s) of the valveanchor 104.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the link mechanism 160 acan attach to the support frame 102 at two different attachment points221 b, 221 c. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the link mechanism 160 acan be coupled to the support frame 102 at a first attachment point 221b of the support frame 102, extend toward and loop around the first legof the valve anchor 104, then extend toward and loop around the secondleg of the valve anchor 104, and then extend toward a second attachmentpoint 221 c of the support frame 102. An intermediate segment 196 a caninterconnect the loops around the first leg and the second leg of thevalve anchor 104.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the deliverydevice 200 can include a link mechanism 160 b that interconnects thesupport frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 while being fixed or coupledrelative to the leg(s) of the valve anchor 104. As illustrated in FIG.8D, the link mechanism 160 b can be coupled to an attachment point onthe support frame 102 and extend toward an engagement area 150 of thevalve anchor 104. The link mechanism 160 b can be tied, looped, wound orotherwise attached to the support frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 atthe attachment points.

In the depicted example, the link mechanism 160 b can be an elasticinterconnect formed from silicone, polyurethane, or any other suitableelastic material. When the support frame 102 is moved relative to thevalve anchor 104, the link mechanism 160 b can stretch, flex, orotherwise elastically stretch. As the link mechanism 160 b stretches,the support frame 102 can move longitudinally and/or rotationallyrelative to the valve anchor 104.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8E, the delivery device 200can include a link mechanism 160 c that interconnects the support frame102 and the valve anchor 104. The link mechanism 160 c can include aresilient or coiled portion 161 c. For example, as shown in FIG. 8E, thecoiled portion 161 c is proximal to the engagement area 150. The coiledportion 161 c can allow for the link mechanism 160 c to stretch to alonger length and/or minimize length of the link mechanism 160 c in anunstretched state. In some embodiments the coiled portion 161 c can be aspring mechanism and may include laser cut patterns.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8F and 8G, the deliverydevice 200 can include a link mechanism 160 d that interconnects thesupport frame 102 and the valve anchor 104 and a one-way interconnect tomaintain tension on the link mechanism 160 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 8F, a link mechanism 160 d can be coupled to thesupport frame 102, e.g., at an attachment point thereof, and extendtoward an engagement area 150 of the valve anchor 104. The linkmechanism 160 d can be received by a one-way interconnect 161 a topermit movement of the link mechanism 160 d in a proximal directionthrough the interconnect 161 a while restricting or preventing distaladvancement or return of the link mechanism 160 d through theinterconnect 161 a. In some embodiments, the link mechanism 160 d cancomprise a proximal actuation portion 161 b that is coupled or extendsto the link mechanism 160 d. For example, the link mechanism 160 d andthe proximal actuation portion 161 b can be sections of a continuousline, wire, or suture that passes through the one-way interconnect 161a. Further, the link mechanism 160 d and the proximal actuation portion161 b can be flexible or rigid.

In accordance with some embodiments, the one-way interconnect 161 a cancomprise a ratcheting mechanism. For example, as illustrated in theinset figure of FIG. 8F, the interconnect 161 a can comprise a bodyhaving an aperture through which the link mechanism 160 d can pass, andthe ratcheting mechanism can have a toothed structure extending into theaperture that permits movement of the link mechanism 160 d in onedirection, but engages the link mechanism 160 d to restrict movement inan opposite direction.

In use, for example, the clinician can distally advance the valve anchor104 relative to the support frame 102 (using a motion and features ofthe embodiments disclosed herein), which can result in some slack in thelink mechanism 160 d. The clinician can then grasp and pull the proximalactuation portion 161 b, which will cause the link mechanism 160 d to bedrawn proximally through (e.g., ratcheted through) the interconnect 161a, thereby reducing the length of the link mechanism 160 d between theinterconnect 161 a and the attachment point on the support frame 102.Accordingly, the clinician can draw the support frame 102 and the valveanchor 104 together upon exerting a proximally oriented force on theproximal actuation portion 161 b while maintaining the valve anchor 104stationary. This motion and ratcheting of the link mechanism 160 d canrestrict motion of the valve anchor 104 relative to the support frame102. In this manner, as the valve anchor 104 is drawn towards thesupport frame 102, the relative longitudinal positions of thesecomponents can be restricted or fixed in a desirable relative positionin anticipation of releasing the prosthesis at the implantation site.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8G, a link mechanism 160 ecan be coupled to the support frame 102, e.g., at an attachment pointthereof, and extend toward an engagement area 150 of the valve anchor104. The link mechanism 160 e can be woven between the support frame 102and the valve anchor 104 (e.g., the link mechanism 160 e can extend fromthe valve anchor 104 and be looped through the support frame 102,similar to or such as by a pulley-type configuration).

In the depicted example of FIG. 8G, the link mechanism 160 e can becoupled to the one-way interconnect 161 e, extend toward and loop aroundthe support frame 102 and then toward the one-way interconnect 161 edisposed proximal to the engagement area 150 of the valve anchor 104 ina pulley mechanism. Similarly, the link mechanism 160 e can be receivedby the one-way interconnect 161 e to permit movement of the linkmechanism 160 e in a distal direction through the interconnect 161 ewhile preventing the proximal movement of the link mechanism 160 ethrough the interconnect 161 e. In some embodiments, the link mechanism160 e can comprise a proximal actuation portion 161 f that is coupled orextends to the link mechanism 160 e. For example, the link mechanism 160e and the proximal actuation portion 161 f can be sections of acontinuous line, wire, or suture that passes through the one-wayinterconnect 161 e. Further, the link mechanism 160 e and the proximalactuation portion 161 f can be flexible or rigid. In some embodiments,an end 161 g of the link mechanism 160 e can be coupled to theinterconnect 161 e to secure the link mechanism 160 e thereto, thusenabling the clinician to draw the support frame 102 and the valveanchor 104 together upon exerting a proximally oriented force on theproximal actuation portion 161 f while maintaining the support frame 102or the valve anchor 104 stationary.

In accordance with some embodiments, the one-way interconnect 161 e cancomprise a rotating ratcheting mechanism. For example, as illustrated inthe inset figure of FIG. 8G, which illustrates the pulley mechanism ofthe interconnect 161 e, the interconnect 161 e can comprise a bodyhaving an aperture through which the link mechanism 160 e can pass, andthe ratcheting mechanism can have a toothed wheel structure extendinginto the aperture that permits movement of the link mechanism 160 e inone direction, but engages the link mechanism 160 e to restrict movementin an opposite direction.

In use, for example, the clinician can distally advance the valve anchor104 relative to the support frame 102 (using a motion and features ofthe embodiments disclosed herein), which can result in some slack in thelink mechanism 160 e. The clinician can then grasp and pull the proximalactuation portion 161 f, which will cause the link mechanism 160 e to bedrawn proximally through (e.g., ratcheted through) the interconnect 161e, thereby reducing the length of the link mechanism 160 e between theinterconnect 161 e and the attachment point on the support frame 102.Alternatively, the clinician can simply pull proximally on the proximalactuation portion 161 f to draw or force distal advancement of the valveanchor 104 relative to the support frame 102, which can reduce thelength of the link mechanism 160 e between the interconnect 161 e andthe attachment point on the support frame 102. Either of these types ofmotion and ratcheting of the link mechanism 160 e can restrict motion ofthe valve anchor 104 relative to the support frame 102. In this manner,as the valve anchor 104 can be drawn towards the support frame 102, therelative longitudinal positions of these components can be restricted orfixed in a desirable position in anticipation of releasing theprosthesis at the implantation site.

FIG. 9A-9E illustrate the various positions and actuation of linkmechanisms during a deployment sequence of the valve prosthesis. Thelink mechanism attachment pattern can vary from that discussed andillustrated with respect to other embodiments disclosed herein; however,the embodiments shown in FIG. 9A-9E illustrated movement and positioningof the link mechanism and related features that can be incorporated intoone or more embodiments disclosed herein.

For example, FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the delivery device 200 in aconfiguration in which the proximal sheath component 204 is proximallyretracted relative to the valve anchor 104, which permits the valveanchor 104 to begin to expand from a compressed, loaded configuration.As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the valve anchor 104 can optionallybe configured such that the U-shaped member's base portion 144 comprisesa link motion limiter 240 a (see also 240 b) that extends from a mediallocation of the base portion 144. The link motion limiter 240 a, 240 bcan provide an enlarged profile of the wireframe structure of the valveanchor 104 that restricts or prevents movement of a loop (see e.g.,loops 162 and 164, also shown in FIG. 7A) of the link mechanism 160 asthe loop slides along the base portion 144 of the valve anchor 104.

For example, the link motion limiter 240 a can tend to prevent the loopsof the link mechanism 160 from both sliding onto a single leg of theU-shaped member 140. This will allow the loops (e.g., loops 162, 164) ofthe link mechanism 160 to move only toward the respective engagementareas of the valve anchor 104, thereby properly positioning the linkmechanism 160 within the respective engagement areas and ensuring propermotion and deployment of the valve anchor 104.

In some embodiments, each of the first, second, and third U-shapedmembers of the valve anchor 104 can comprise a respective link motionlimiter. Further, the link mechanism 160 can be coupled to each of therespective U-shaped members on opposing sides of the respective linkmotion limiters (see e.g., link motion limiter 240 a and loops 162, 164in FIG. 9B).

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the link motion limiter 240 a, 240 bcan extend from the base portion 144 in a proximal direction toward thepeak portions of the valve anchor 104, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.However, the link motion limiter 240 a, 240 b can also extend from thebase portion 144 in a distal direction away from the peak portions ofthe valve anchor 104. As can be appreciated, while the link motionlimiter 240 a, 240 b extends from the base portion 144, the U-shapemembers of the valve anchor 104 generally retain and can be considered“u-shaped.” Optionally, the link motion limiter can include features toenable functionality as a latch, clasper tang or other attachment pointfor a grasper component.

FIGS. 9A and 9B also illustrate that the link mechanism 160 can define aweave pattern that interconnects the valve anchor 104 with the supportframe 102. For example, the link mechanism 160 extends (i) from a firstcircumferential attachment position 242 on the support frame 102, (ii)to a first leg 146 b of a first U-shaped member 140 a (on a first sideof the link motion limiter 240 a of the first U-shaped member 140 a),(iii) then hooking into the flexible loop 199 of the tension member 198and then to a second leg 148 a of the first U-shaped member 140 a (on asecond side of the link motion limiter 240 a of the first U-shapedmember 140 a), (iv) then to a second circumferential attachment position244 on the support frame 102, and (v) then to a first leg 146 c of asecond U-shaped member 140 b on a second side of the link motion limiter240 b. The link mechanism can continue in this pattern and extend to asecond leg of a third U-shaped member and then to a thirdcircumferential attachment position on the support frame 102 (notshown).

As also illustrated in FIG. 9A, the first and second circumferentialattachment positions 242, 244 can be located adjacent to, within, oralong a medial portion of the support frame 102. In particular, thefirst and second circumferential attachment positions 242, 244 can beexposed through a window or gap 248 between the proximal and distalenclosures 210, 212 when the prosthesis 100 is in the compressed ordelivery configuration. However, the first and second circumferentialattachment positions 242, 244 can be located adjacent to, within, oralong a proximal or distal end portion of the support frame 102 suchthat the first and second circumferential attachment positions 242, 244are covered by one of the proximal or distal enclosures 210, 212 duringdelivery to the target location.

FIG. 9C is an enlarged detail view of the valve prosthesis and deliverydevice of FIG. 8B. FIG. 9C illustrates a delivery device 200 with linkmechanisms 160 a, 160 b without tension members. Each link mechanism 160a can define a weave pattern that interconnects the valve anchor 104with the support frame 102. For example, the link mechanism 160 aextends (i) from a first circumferential attachment position (e.g., 242,as in FIG. 9A) on the support frame 102, (ii) to a first leg 146 b of afirst U-shaped member 140 a (on a first side of the link motion limiter240 b of the first U-shaped member 140 a), (iii) then extending directlyto a second leg 148 b of a second U-shaped member 140 c (on a secondside of a link motion limiter 240 c of the second U-shaped member 140c), (iv) then back to the first circumferential attachment position(e.g., 242, as in FIG. 9A) on the support frame 102 (or alternatively,to a different circumferential attachment point on the support frame102).

Additional link mechanisms 160 b, 160 c can weave a similar patternbetween the U-shaped members and circumferential attachment positions onthe support frame 102.

FIG. 9D illustrates a delivery device 200 with a diamond shaped linkmotion limiter 240 c that extends from a medial location of the baseportion 144. In the depicted example, the link motion limiter 240 c canprovide an elongated diamond shaped profile of the wireframe structureof the valve anchor 104 that restricts or prevents movement of a loop162, 164 of the link mechanism 160 d sliding along the base portion 144of the valve anchor 104. For example, the link motion limiter 240 c cantend to prevent the loops 162, 164 of the link mechanism 160 d from bothsliding onto a single leg of the U-shaped member 140, while allowing theloops 162, 164 of the link mechanism 160 d to freely move toward therespective engagement areas of the valve anchor 104, thereby properlypositioning the link mechanism 160 d within the respective engagementareas 150 and ensuring proper motion and deployment of the valve anchor104.

FIG. 9E illustrates a delivery device 200 with a barrier suture 240 dfor maintaining a loop (e.g., 162, 164) of a link mechanism on a singleleg of a U-shaped member. The barrier suture 240 d can be a strand ofmaterial that is attached to the valve anchor 104. However, the barriersuture 240 d can be formed as a single, continuous portion of the valveanchor 104, for example, as a single, continuous piece of material.

In FIG. 9E, the valve anchor 104 comprises a plurality of barrier suture240 d, which extend from medial locations 144 a of the U-shaped members140 a, 140 b, 140 c toward respective legs thereof adjacent to theengagement area of each U-shaped member. For each U-shaped member, forexample, a barrier suture 240 d can extend from a first location,adjacent to a first engagement area 150 b on a first leg 146 b, proximalto a medial location 144 a of the base portion and, whether as a single,continuous strand or as a second, separate strand, the barrier suture240 d can extend from the medial location 144 a to a second location ona second leg 148 a, proximal to the second engagement area 150 a.

In the depicted example of FIG. 9E, the barrier suture 240 d restrictsor prevents movement of loops 162, 164 of the link mechanism 160 d fromsliding past or beyond the medial location 144 a of the valve anchor 104onto a different leg 146 b, 148 a of the U-shaped member 140 a. Forexample, the barrier suture 240 d can tend to prevent the loops 162, 164from both sliding onto the same leg 146 b, 148 a of the U-shaped member140 a, while allowing the loops 162, 164 to freely move toward therespective engagement areas 150 a, 150 b of the valve anchor 104,thereby properly positioning the link mechanism 160 within therespective engagement areas and ensuring proper motion and deployment ofthe valve anchor 104.

FIGS. 10A-10H illustrate optional aspects of a delivery device,according to at least one embodiment. These figures do not illustrateall of the components of the delivery device that can be incorporatedinto an embodiment. However, the features illustrated in these figurescan be incorporated into embodiments of the delivery device tofacilitate engagement with the valve anchor and/or facilitate deliveryand control of the valve anchor during implantation and release of thevalve anchor at the target location.

For example, FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an embodiment of a delivery device200 a that comprises a grasper mechanism. The grasper mechanism can beused to securely couple a portion of the valve anchor with the deliverydevice to permit the clinician to control movement, operation, anddeployment of the valve anchor. The grasper mechanism can engage one ormore portions or structures of the valve anchor using a variety ofcoupling mechanisms, which can use attachment means including mechanicalengagement, dissolvable structures, chemically reactive degradablestructures, electrolytically degradable structures, and the like.

In some embodiments, the grasper mechanism can be a tubular graspermechanism. The delivery device 200 a, shown in FIG. 10A, can comprise agrasper 224 a that can engage with and control the longitudinal positionof the valve anchor 104 a, as shown in FIG. 10A. FIGS. 10B and 10Cillustrate states of disengagement and features of components of thegrasper 224 a, which are hidden in FIG. 10A due to the grasper 224 a andthe valve anchor 104 a being in an engaged configuration in FIG. 10A.

As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the grasper 224 a of the delivery device200 a can comprise an engagement wire 179 that is movable within a lumenof a tubular enclosure 228 a. The valve anchor 104 a can be configuredto comprise a clasper tang 170 a extending from an engagement area 150 dof the valve anchor 104 a. The engagement wire 179 can comprise a distalend portion that includes pins, ridges, or protrusions 226 a that can becoupled to the engagement structure 172 a of the clasper tang 170 a atthe engagement area of the valve anchor 104 a.

When engaged together, the engagement wire 179 and the clasper tang 170a can be proximally drawn into the lumen of the tubular enclosure 228 a,which secures the engagement wire 179 and the clasper tang 170 arelative to each other in both radial and longitudinal directions.However, when the engagement wire 179 and the clasper tang 170 a aremoved outside of the lumen of the tubular enclosure 228 a, as shown inFIG. 10D, the engagement wire 179 and the clasper tang 170 a can bedisengaged as the valve anchor 104 a and the clasper tang 170 a expandradially, thereby disengaging the clasper tang 170 a from the engagementwire 179.

Referring to FIG. 10A, each wire 179 can be pulled or positionedproximally within or relative to the lumen of its tubular enclosure 228a in which the wires 179 are housed. In some embodiments, the engagementarea of the valve anchor 104 a is positioned within the tubularenclosure 228 a, securing the ridges or protrusions 226 a within theopenings of the clasper tangs 170 a by limiting the relative motion ofthe ridges or protrusions 226 a with respect to the openings of theclasper tangs 170 a, thus engaging the valve anchor 104 a.

In some embodiments, the clasper tangs 170 a can be coupled along aradial outer region of the engagement wires 179, as shown in FIG. 10B.Further, the cross-sectional area of the tubular enclosure 228 a issmall enough to prevent the protrusions 226 a from disengaging from theclasper tangs 170 a in a radial direction while allowing the collectivecross-section of the engaged valve anchor 104 a to move within orrelative to the tubular enclosure 228 a while maintaining thelongitudinal locking or engagement between the engagement wire 179 andthe clasper tang 170 a.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the graspers 224 a canpermit a clinician to push, pull, or rotate the valve anchor 104 arelative to the delivery device 200 a before fully releasing the valveanchor 104 a from engagement with the delivery device 200 a.

Referring again to FIG. 10B, each wire 179 can be advanced distallywithin or relative to the lumen of its tubular enclosure 228 a such thatthe ridges or protrusions 226 a and the openings of the clasper tangs170 a are outside of the lumen of the tubular enclosure 228 a. Byadvancing each wire 179 relative to its tubular enclosure 228 a, so thatthe protrusions 226 a and the clasper tangs 170 a are outside of thelumens of the tubular enclosures 228 a, the clasper tangs 170 a canbegin to self-expand and radially separate from the protrusions 226 a,thereby detaching from the protrusions 226 a to release the valve anchor104 a, as shown in FIG. 10C. Upon release of the valve anchor 104 a, thewires 179 can be retracted into the tubular enclosure 228 a, as shown inFIG. 10D.

FIGS. 10E and 10F illustrate aspects of a grasper 224′. As illustrated,the grasper 224′ has a profile to facilitate a connection with the valveanchor 104 a when loading the prosthesis onto the delivery device. Insome embodiments, the grasper 224 a′ has a generally smooth profile. Asillustrated in FIGS. 10E and 10F, the tang of the grasper 224 a′ has aprotrusion 226 a′ with an angled distal portion 225 a′ and a roundedproximal portion 227 a′ to facilitate interconnection with the valveanchor 104 a.

For example, in some embodiments, the tang of the grasper 224 a′ canfurther include an angled distal portion 229 a′. Advantageously, theangled and rounded features of the profile of the grasper 224 a′ canpromote smooth engagement and disengagement with the valve anchor 104 a.In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces of the grasper 224 a′ canbe electropolished.

FIGS. 10G and 10H illustrate an embodiment of a delivery device 200 bthat comprises a grasper mechanism that may engage with a valve anchor204 b. In some embodiments, valve anchor 204 b may comprise a claspertang located at the base portion of the U-shaped members, as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 6H. Optionally, the valve anchor 204 b may besimilar or identical to the valve anchor 104 g described in FIG. 6H, thefeatures of which are not discussed again here for brevity, but may berealized in such a combination.

With reference to FIG. 10G, the delivery device 200 b is shown withproximal sheath extending over both the valve anchor 204 b and thesupport frame 102. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, in thecompressed or delivery configuration shown in FIG. 10G, the linkmechanism can extend between the valve anchor 204 b and the supportframe 102 and be at least partially enclosed within the proximalenclosure 210. In alternative embodiments of the delivery device 200 b,the valve anchor 204 b and the support frame 102 can both be enclosedwithin the proximal sheath component prior to and during delivery priorto releasing the valve anchor 204 b.

For example, the delivery device 200 b, shown in FIG. 10G, can comprisea grasper 224 b that can extend across the valve anchor 204 b to engagewith and control the base portion of the valve anchor 204 b. Optionally,the proximal enclosure 210 can be recessed or have a reduced diameterportion to permit the valve anchor 204 b and the graspers 224 b attachedthereto to have a lower profile in a compressed or undeployedconfiguration.

With reference to FIG. 10H, the delivery device 200 b is shown with thevalve anchor 204 b in a deployed configuration. In some embodiments, byengaging the base portion of the valve anchor 204 b, the grasper 224 bcan precisely engage with and control the longitudinal position of thevalve anchor 104 b. Thus, the graspers 224 b can be used to control thearticulation of the valve anchor 204 b as desired by the clinician.

Further, in some embodiments, by allowing the graspers 224 b to engagethe base portion of the valve anchor 204 b, the motion of the linkmechanism 160 can be limited to the desired portion of the valve anchor204 b. Thus, the link mechanism 160 will not slide along an undesiredpath or leg of the U-shaped member, thus tending to ensure that the linkmoves as intended.

Advantageously, the grasper mechanism can be used to securely couple aportion of the valve anchor with the delivery device. This canbeneficially improve maneuverability and permit the clinician to controlmovement, operation, and deployment of the valve anchor while preventinginversion of the valve anchor 204 b.

Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, a clinician can manipulate thevalve anchor by engaging or coupling an engagement portion or protrusionof a grasper with a clasper tang of a valve anchor. The engagementportion and the clasper tang can be restricted from relative radialmovement (to thereby remain longitudinally engaged and secured relativeto each other) by enclosing the engagement portion and the clasper tangwithin a tubular enclosure. In order to disengage the engagement portionand the clasper tang, the clinician can relatively advance theengagement portion distally beyond an end of the tubular enclosure. Oncein this position, the clasper tang can tend to be pulled radiallyoutwardly as the valve anchor expands radially, thereby disengaging theclasper tang from the engagement portion. Thereafter, the engagementportion can be retracted or withdrawn into the tubular enclosure. Insome embodiments, the engagement portion engages a window or protrusionof the clasper tang. In some embodiments, the engagement portion is apin or slot. In some embodiments, each grasper can include a pluralityof engagement portions or protrusions.

Illustration of Subject Technology as Clauses

Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described as clausesets having numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These areprovided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology.Identifications of the figures and reference numbers are provided belowmerely as examples and for illustrative purposes, and the clauses arenot limited by those identifications.

Clause 1. A valve prosthesis comprising: a valve anchor having at leastone U-shaped member extending about a longitudinal axis of the valveanchor, the U-shaped member having a peak portion and a base portion,the peak portion having an engagement area, the valve anchor beingexpandable from a compressed configuration for engaging a native valvestructure; an expandable valve frame having a compressed configuration,an expanded configuration, and first and second end portions, the valveframe being configured to expand within the valve anchor at the nativevalve structure; and a link mechanism interconnecting the valve anchorwith the valve frame, the link mechanism being coupled to the valveframe and being slidably coupled to the U-shaped member, the linkmechanism being slidable along the U-shaped member from the base portionto be captured within the peak portion engagement area, wherein the linkmechanism limits axial movement of the valve frame relative to the valveanchor when captured within the peak portion engagement area.

Clause 2. The valve prosthesis of Clause 1, wherein (i) in a deliveryposition, the valve anchor and the valve frame are in the compressedconfiguration, the valve frame is positioned distal to the valve anchor,and the link mechanism extends from the valve anchor base portion acrossthe valve frame first end portion toward the valve frame second endportion, (ii) in an intermediate expanded position, the valve anchor isin an expanded configuration, the valve frame is in the compressedconfiguration, the valve frame is positioned proximal to the valveanchor, and the link mechanism extends from the valve anchor peakportion toward the valve frame first end portion, and (iii) in anoverlapping position, the valve anchor and the valve framelongitudinally overlap each other, the valve frame is positioned withinthe valve anchor, and the link mechanism extends from the valve anchorpeak portion across the valve frame toward the valve frame second endportion.

Clause 3. The valve prosthesis of any preceding Clause, wherein when thelink mechanism is engaged in the engagement area, the valve anchor ispermitted to expand toward the expanded configuration.

Clause 4. The valve prosthesis of any preceding Clause, wherein when thevalve anchor and the valve frame are in the compressed configuration,the link mechanism has a longitudinal extent of between about 110% andabout 170% of a longitudinal length of the valve anchor.

Clause 5. The valve prosthesis of any preceding Clause, wherein when thevalve anchor and the valve frame are in the expanded configuration, thelink mechanism has a longitudinal extent of between about 70% and about130% of a longitudinal length of the valve anchor.

Clause 6. The valve prosthesis of any preceding Clause, wherein the linkmechanism comprises a suture.

Clause 7. The valve prosthesis of Clause 6, the valve anchor comprises aplurality of U-shaped members, the suture having a weave pattern inwhich the suture extends from (i) a first circumferential position atthe valve frame, (ii) then to a first leg of a first U-shaped member,(iii) then to a second leg of a second U-shaped member, the firstU-shaped member being interconnected to the second U-shaped member, (iv)and then to the first circumferential position.

Clause 8. The valve prosthesis of Clause 7, wherein the second U-shapedmember comprises a link motion limiter extending from a medial locationof the base portion thereof.

Clause 9. The valve prosthesis of Clause 8, wherein the link mechanismcomprises a plurality of sutures.

Clause 10. The valve prosthesis of Clause 9, wherein the weave patternof a second suture of the plurality of sutures extends (i) from a firstleg of the second U-shaped member to (ii) a second leg of a thirdU-shaped member and, (iii) then to a second circumferential position atthe valve frame.

Clause 11. The valve prosthesis of Clause 6, the valve anchor comprisesa plurality of U-shaped members, the suture having a weave pattern inwhich the suture extends from (i) a first circumferential position atthe valve frame, (ii) then to a first leg of a first U-shaped member,(iii) then to a second leg of a second U-shaped member, the firstU-shaped member being interconnected to the second U-shaped member, (iv)and then to a second circumferential position at the valve frame,different from the first circumferential position.

Clause 12. The valve prosthesis of Clause 11, wherein the suturecomprises a continuous suture loop interwoven with the valve frame andthe valve anchor.

Clause 13. The valve prosthesis of Clause 12, wherein the weave patternof the continuous suture loop further extends (i) from the first leg ofthe first U-shaped member to the second leg of the second U-shapedmember on a first side of a link motion limiter of the second U-shapedmember, wherein the link motion limiter extends from a medial locationof the base portion thereof, (ii) then to the second circumferentialposition at the valve frame, (iii) then to a first leg of the secondU-shaped member on a second side of the link motion limiter, (iv) thento a second leg of a third U-shaped member, and (v) then to a thirdcircumferential position at the valve frame.

Clause 14. The valve prosthesis of Clause 13, wherein the first, second,and third U-shaped members each comprises a respective link motionlimiter, and wherein in the weave pattern of the continuous suture loop,the link mechanism is coupled to a given U-shaped member on both sidesof the link motion limiter.

Clause 15. The valve prosthesis of Clause 12, the valve anchor comprisesa plurality of U-shaped members, the link mechanism being interwovenwith three U-shaped members of the valve anchor, and wherein a looplength of the continuous suture loop is between about 80% to about 120%of a sum of (i) a compressed circumference of the valve frame and (ii)six times a longitudinal length of the valve frame.

Clause 16. The valve prosthesis of Clause 6, wherein the valve anchorcomprises first, second, and third U-shaped members, each of the first,second, and third U-shaped members having a link motion limiterextending from a medial location of the base portion thereof, andwherein the link mechanism comprises a continuous suture loop extending(i) from a given U-shaped member on a first side of the link motionlimiter, (ii) then to a given circumferential position at the valveframe, and (iii) then to the given U-shaped member on a second side ofthe link motion limiter.

Clause 17. The valve prosthesis of any preceding Clause, wherein thepeak portions of adjacent U-shaped members are coupled together to forma respective engagement area.

Clause 18. The valve prosthesis of any preceding Clause, wherein theengagement area of the peak portion comprises double peaks having a coveshape disposed therebetween for receiving and retaining the linkmechanism therein.

Clause 19. A method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve prosthesisto a native valve structure of a patient, the method comprising:introducing the valve prosthesis into the patient at the implantationsite, the valve prosthesis including a valve anchor having a U-shapedmember with a peak portion and a base portion, an expandable valveframe, and a link mechanism interconnecting the valve anchor and thevalve frame, the valve anchor being restrained in a compressedconfiguration within a proximal sheath, the valve frame being restrainedin a compressed configuration within a distal carrier assembly;permitting expansion of the base portion of the valve anchor; distallyurging the base portion of the valve anchor into engagement with anative valve structure; proximally retracting the valve frame relativeto the valve anchor to slide the link mechanism proximally toward anengagement area of the peak portion to urge the link mechanism into theengagement area, thereby capturing the link mechanism therein andrestricting a range of movement of the valve frame relative to the valveanchor; releasing the peak portion of the valve anchor to permit thevalve anchor to expand against the native valve structure; andpermitting expansion of the valve frame within a lumen of the valveanchor.

Clause 20. The method of Clause 19, wherein prior to the permittingexpansion of the valve frame, the method further comprises distallyadvancing the valve frame into the valve anchor.

Clause 21. The method of Clause 20, wherein the distally advancing thevalve frame into the valve anchor comprises distally advancing the valveframe until further distal movement of the valve frame relative to thevalve anchor is restricted by the link mechanism.

Clause 22. The method of Clause 19-21, wherein after the proximallyretracting the valve frame, the method further comprises distallyadvancing the valve frame, with the link mechanism being engaged at theengagement area of the peak portion of the valve anchor, until the linkmechanism is taut and further distally advancing the valve frame to pullthe valve anchor distally relative to the native valve structure.

Clause 23. The method of Clause 19-22, wherein after the proximallyretracting the valve frame, the method further comprises rotating thevalve frame, with the link mechanism being engaged at the engagementarea of the peak portion of the valve anchor, to rotationally adjust aposition of the valve anchor relative to the native valve structure.

Clause 24. A valve prosthesis comprising: a valve anchor having at leastone U-shaped member extending about a longitudinal axis of the valveanchor, the U-shaped member having a peak portion and a base portion,the valve anchor being expandable from a compressed configuration forengaging a native valve structure; an expandable valve frame having acompressed configuration, and an expanded configuration, the valve framebeing configured to expand within the valve anchor at the native valvestructure; and a link mechanism interconnecting the valve anchor withthe valve frame, the link mechanism being coupled to the valve frame andbeing coupled to the U-shaped member, wherein the link mechanism limitsaxial movement of the valve frame relative to the valve anchor.

Clause 25. A valve prosthesis comprising: a valve anchor having at leastone U-shaped member extending about a longitudinal axis of the valveanchor, the U-shaped member having a peak portion and a base portion,the peak portion having an engagement area, the base portion having aclasper tang extending from a medial location thereof, the valve anchorbeing expandable from a compressed configuration for engaging a nativevalve structure.

Clause 26. The valve prosthesis of Clause 25, wherein the clasper tangis configured to be coupled to a grasper mechanism of a delivery device.

Clause 27. The valve prosthesis of Clause 25 or 26, further comprising:an expandable valve frame having a compressed configuration, an expandedconfiguration, and first and second end portions, the valve frame beingconfigured to expand within the valve anchor at the native valvestructure.

Clause 28. The valve prosthesis of Clause 27, further comprising: a linkmechanism interconnecting the valve anchor with the valve frame, thelink mechanism being coupled to the valve frame and being slidablycoupled to the U-shaped member, the link mechanism being slidable alongthe U-shaped member from the base portion to be captured within the peakportion engagement area, wherein the link mechanism limits axialmovement of the valve frame relative to the valve anchor when capturedwithin the peak portion engagement area.

Clause 29. The valve prosthesis of Clause 28, wherein the link mechanismcomprises a suture.

Clause 30. The valve prosthesis of Clause 29, the valve anchor comprisesa plurality of U-shaped members, the suture having a weave pattern inwhich the suture extends from (i) a first circumferential position atthe valve frame, (ii) then to a first leg of a first U-shaped member,(iii) then to a second leg of a second U-shaped member, the firstU-shaped member being interconnected to the second U-shaped member, (iv)and then to the first circumferential position.

Clause 31. The valve prosthesis of Clause 30, wherein the clasper tangis configured to limit motion of the suture.

Clause 32. The valve prosthesis of Clause 30, wherein the plurality ofU-shaped members each comprises a respective clasper tang, and whereinin the weave pattern of the suture, the link mechanism is coupled to agiven U-shaped member on both sides of the clasper tang.

Clause 33. A valve prosthesis comprising: a valve anchor having at leastone U-shaped member extending about a longitudinal axis of the valveanchor, the valve anchor being expandable from a compressedconfiguration for engaging a native valve structure; an expandable valveframe having a compressed configuration, an expanded configuration, andfirst and second end portions, the valve frame being configured toexpand within the valve anchor at the native valve structure; and a linkmechanism interconnecting the valve anchor with the valve frame, thelink mechanism being fixedly coupled to the valve frame and to theU-shaped member, wherein the link mechanism limits axial movement of thevalve frame relative to the valve anchor.

Clause 34. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33, wherein when the valveanchor and the valve frame are in the compressed configuration, the linkmechanism has a longitudinal extent of between about 110% and about 170%of a longitudinal length of the valve anchor.

Clause 35. The valve prosthesis of Clause 34, wherein the link mechanismelongates to the longitudinal extent.

Clause 36. The valve prosthesis of Clause 34, wherein the link mechanismstretches to the longitudinal extent.

Clause 37. The valve prosthesis of Clause 34, wherein the link mechanismdeforms to the longitudinal extent.

Clause 38. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-37, wherein the linkmechanism comprises silicone or polyurethane.

Clause 39. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-38, wherein when the valveanchor and the valve frame are in the expanded configuration, the linkmechanism has a longitudinal extent of between about 70% and about 130%of a longitudinal length of the valve anchor.

Clause 40. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-39, wherein the linkmechanism comprises a suture.

Clause 41. The valve prosthesis of Clause 40, the valve anchor comprisesa plurality of U-shaped members, the suture having a weave pattern inwhich the suture extends from (i) a first circumferential position atthe valve frame, (ii) then to a first leg of a first U-shaped member,(iii) then to a second leg of a second U-shaped member, the firstU-shaped member being interconnected to the second U-shaped member, (iv)and then to the first circumferential position.

Clause 42. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-41, wherein the linkmechanism is fixedly coupled to a leg of the valve anchor.

Clause 43. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-42, wherein the linkmechanism comprises a coiled portion.

Clause 44. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-43, wherein the linkmechanism comprises a laser-cut portion.

Clause 45. The valve prosthesis of Clause 33-44, further comprising aone-way interconnect mechanism, the one-way interconnect mechanismallowing proximal movement of the link mechanism.

Clause 46. The valve prosthesis of Clause 45, wherein the one-wayinterconnect mechanism prevents distal advancement of the link mechanismrelative to the one-way interconnect mechanism.

Clause 47. The valve prosthesis of Clause 45, wherein the one-wayinterconnect mechanism comprises a mechanism body with an aperture, theaperture permitting the link mechanism to pass therethrough.

Clause 48. The valve prosthesis of Clause 47, wherein the link mechanismratchets through the one-way interconnect mechanism.

Clause 49. A method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve prosthesisto a native valve structure of a patient, the method comprising:introducing the valve prosthesis into the patient at the implantationsite, the valve prosthesis including a valve anchor having a U-shapedmember, an expandable valve frame, and a link mechanism fixedly coupledto the valve anchor and the valve frame, the valve anchor beingrestrained in a compressed configuration within a proximal sheath, thevalve frame being restrained in a compressed configuration within adistal carrier assembly; permitting expansion of the valve anchor;distally urging a base portion of the valve anchor into engagement witha native valve structure; restricting a range of movement of the valveframe relative to the valve anchor via the link mechanism; releasing apeak portion of the valve anchor to permit the valve anchor to expandagainst the native valve structure; and permitting expansion of thevalve frame within a lumen of the valve anchor.

Clause 50. The method of Clause 49, wherein prior to the permittingexpansion of the valve frame, the method further comprises distallyadvancing the valve frame into the valve anchor.

Clause 51. The method of Clause 50, wherein the distally advancing thevalve frame into the valve anchor comprises distally advancing the valveframe until further distal movement of the valve frame relative to thevalve anchor is restricted by the link mechanism.

Clause 52. The method of Clause 49-51, wherein after the proximallyretracting the valve frame, the method further comprises distallyadvancing the valve frame, applying tension to the link mechanism untilthe link mechanism is taut and further distally advancing the valveframe to pull the valve anchor distally relative to the native valvestructure.

Clause 53. The method of Clause 49-52, wherein after the proximallyretracting the valve frame, the method further comprises rotating thevalve frame and applying tension to the link mechanism to rotationallyadjust a position of the valve anchor relative to the native valvestructure.

Clause 54. The method of Clause 49-53, further comprising reducing alongitudinal extent of the link mechanism.

Clause 55. The method of Clause 54, further comprising coiling the linkmechanism to reduce the longitudinal extent of the link mechanism.

Clause 56. The method of Clause 54, further comprising proximally movingthe link mechanism through a one-way interconnect to reduce thelongitudinal extent of the link mechanism.

Clause 57. The method of Clause 56, further comprising preventing distaladvancement of the link mechanism through the one-way interconnect.

Further Considerations

In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein may depend from any oneof the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In someembodiments, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses)may be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent orindependent clauses). In some embodiments, a claim may include some orall of the words (e.g., steps, operations, means or components) recitedin a clause, a sentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In some embodiments, aclaim may include some or all of the words recited in one or moreclauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs. In some embodiments, some ofthe words in each of the clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs maybe removed. In some embodiments, additional words or elements may beadded to a clause, a sentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In someembodiments, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizingsome of the components, elements, functions or operations describedherein. In some embodiments, the subject technology may be implementedutilizing additional components, elements, functions or operations.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thesubject technology has been particularly described with reference to thevarious figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these configurations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, manychanges and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the stepsmay be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

As used herein, the term “distal” can denote a location or directionthat is away from a point of interest, such as a control unit or regionof the delivery system that will be used to deliver a valve prosthesisto a native valve annulus. Additionally, the term “proximal” can denotea location or direction that is closer to a point of interest, such as acontrol unit or region of the delivery system that will be used todeliver a valve prosthesis.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series ofitems, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items,modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e.,each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection ofat least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaningthat includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least oneof any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of theitems. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or“at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C;any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, andC.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like as used inthis disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frameof reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame ofreference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and arear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, orhorizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.”Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neutergender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. The term “some” refers to oneor more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are usedfor convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are notreferred to in connection with the interpretation of the description ofthe subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to theelements of the various configurations described throughout thisdisclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference andintended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothingdisclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the subject technology butmerely as illustrating different examples and aspects of the subjecttechnology. It should be appreciated that the scope of the subjecttechnology includes other embodiments not discussed in detail above.Various other modifications, changes and variations may be made in thearrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus of thesubject technology disclosed herein without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Unless otherwise expressed, reference to anelement in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless explicitly stated, but rather is meant to mean “one or more.” Inaddition, it is not necessary for a device or method to address everyproblem that is solvable (or possess every advantage that is achievable)by different embodiments of the disclosure in order to be encompassedwithin the scope of the disclosure. The use herein of “can” andderivatives thereof shall be understood in the sense of “possibly” or“optionally” as opposed to an affirmative capability.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve prosthesis comprising: a valve anchorhaving a plurality of U-shaped members that are interconnected atrespective peak portions of the U-shaped members, each of the U-shapedmembers comprising a base portion and an engagement structure extendingfrom the base portion; an expandable valve frame having a compressedconfiguration, an expanded configuration, and first and second endportions, the valve frame being configured to expand within the valveanchor; and a link mechanism interconnecting the valve anchor with thevalve frame.
 2. The valve prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the linkmechanism is coupled to the valve frame and slidably coupled to thevalve anchor, the link mechanism being slidable along the U-shapedmembers to be captured at the peak portions thereof for limiting axialmovement of the valve frame relative to the valve anchor.
 3. The valveprosthesis of claim 1, wherein the valve anchor comprises three U-shapedmembers.
 4. The valve prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the engagementstructure of each U-shaped member extends toward the peak portions ofthe U-shaped members.
 5. The valve prosthesis of claim 1, wherein theengagement structure comprises a tab having an aperture that passestherethrough.
 6. The valve prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the engagementstructure comprises a tab having a protrusion that extends therefrom. 7.The valve prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the engagement structure limitsslidable movement of the link mechanism along the U-shaped member.
 8. Amethod for delivering a heart valve prosthesis to a target site of apatient, the method comprising: permitting expansion of a valve anchorat the target site, the valve anchor having a plurality of U-shapedmembers that are interconnected at respective peak portions thereof,each of the U-shaped members comprising a base portion and an engagementstructure extending from the base portion; manipulating a longitudinalor rotational position of the valve anchor using one or more grasperscoupled to the engagement structures of the valve anchor for urging thevalve anchor into engagement with the target site; and disengaging eachengagement structure from the one or more graspers to release the baseportions of the valve anchor.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theengagement structure of each U-shaped member extends toward the peakportions of the U-shaped members, and wherein the disengaging eachengagement structure comprises pulling the one or more graspers in adirection away from the engagement structures toward the peak portions.10. The method of claim 8, wherein disengaging the engagement structurecomprises removing a protrusion of each grasper from engagement with anaperture of a respective engagement structure.
 11. The method of claim8, further comprising releasing a valve frame into engagement with thevalve anchor at the target site.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thereleasing the valve frame comprises proximally retracting the valveframe relative to the valve anchor to slide a link mechanism intoengagement with the valve anchor for restricting a range of movement ofthe valve frame relative to the valve anchor.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the peak portions of adjacent U-shaped members are coupledtogether to form a respective engagement area whereat the link mechanismis engaged.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein prior to the releasingthe valve frame, the method further comprises distally advancing thevalve frame into the valve anchor.